How should Western spend the Student Technology Fee?
The Student Technology Fee Committee at Western Washington University asks for faculty, student and staff comments by Feb. 15 on the STF project proposals for the current academic year. . Comments should be submitted to the STF Committee at diane.bateman@wwu.edu.
Members of the Academic Technology Committee have an extended deadline, with the opportunity to provide individual letters supporting specific proposals to the STF Committee by March 1.
From its beginning in 1996, the student technology fee has provided students nearly $9 million in technological resources and equipment to directly enhance their academic experience.
The committee encourages the Western community to share their views on how to spend the project portion of the annual fee. The annual fee is estimated at $1 million for 2010-2011, the project portion at $245,000. The fee, as determined by a student vote in 2009, provides funding for the Student Technology Center, replacement of student computer lab machines on a four-year cycle, replacement and expansion of the wireless network and grants for faculty and student projects.
"The student technology fee has been an integral part of Western’s ability to purchase up-to-date equipment," says John Lawson, vice provost and chief information officer for 草榴社区. "I value the dedication of the students on the committee and their willingness to carefully evaluate the proposals and recommend funding. The committee is always interested in broad input into their decision-making process and so we invite comments. As state funding continues to shrink, it is crucial that we make wise decisions in this process."
Ramon Rinonos-Diaz, STF committee chair, agrees.
"The student technology fee increases student access to technology and supports curriculum across campus, he says. "With the wide variety of our proposals and the extent of our project fund, comments from the community are an invaluable aspect of the decision-making process. Since comments from faculty, staff, and students are so important, I strongly encourage any comments from the 草榴社区 community regarding any proposal."