More Cal State campuses are considering 'student success fees' of $200 to $500 per semester

http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-calstate-fee-20140303,0,3582419.story

More Cal State campuses are considering 'student success fees'
Four additional schools could charge students $200 to $500 per semester for more class offerings, counseling. But critics say they are a way to shift costs without raising tuition.
By Carla Rivera
March 2, 2014, 7:20 p.m.

They are called "student success fees" and they offer the promise of more classes and programs and improved graduation rates for thousands of California State University students. But critics say they are a thinly veiled attempt to shift more education costs to students — without increasing tuition.

Campuses in Fullerton, Dominguez Hills, Fresno and San Diego all are considering these charges, ranging from $200 to $500 per semester.

If approved, those Cal State campuses will join others in the East Bay, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Northridge, Pomona, San Bernardino, San Jose, San Luis Obispo and San Marcos, which already are charging such fees. They were among the first to do so — most beginning in 2011 amid deep state budget cuts.

The "success fees" are a relatively recent phenomenon that troubles many opponents, who argue that students shouldn't have to pay extra for instructional programs that should be included in tuition. The most recent proposals also flout promises made to lawmakers and the governor to freeze costs in return for additional state funding, they contend.