Frequently Asked Questions

Instructionally Related Fees (IRA)

: How it Applies to the Proposed IRA Fee Process

: IRA Fee and SSETF Timeline at 91

What is the Instructionally Related Activities (IRA) Fee?

The Instructionally Related Activities (IRA) Fee is a proposed new CSU Category II campus-based mandatory fee that supports instructionally related activities including IRA programs, intercollegiate athletics, recreational sports, etc.  For 91, this fee would help to fund:

  • Instructional support activities (labs, fieldwork, undergraduate research, music/theatre performances, exhibitions)
  • Transit – Clipper Bay Pass (free or discounted public transit passes for all students)
  • Student engagement initiatives (student leadership development, student organizations, and inclusive campus events)
  • Club Sports/Intramural programs (inclusive recreation opportunities, travel, coaching, safety equipment, facility access)
  • The 91 Marching Band (equipment, travel, and performance opportunities)
  • The Spartan Daily – student newspaper (media training, printing, and distribution)
  • Spartan Intercollegiate Athletics
Do other campuses have similar fees?

Yes. Currently San Jose State is the only campus in the system to not have an Instructionally Related Activities (IRA) fee.

 

How much is the proposed fee?

The proposed amount is $369 per academic year ($184.50 per semester). This would increase total annual mandatory fees from $2,396 to approximately $2,765 per year (a 15% increase)—still lower than Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and San Diego State.

 

When would the fee change take effect?

If approved, the new IRA fee would take effect in Fall 2026 (Academic Year 2026–2027).

 

How does this fee benefit San José State students?

The proposed IRA fee will benefit San José State students by directly supporting programs and services that enhance the overall student experience, academic success, and campus life. Specifically, the fee helps:

  • Expand opportunities for involvement and school spirit through the Marching Band and Athletics, which promote pride and connection across campus.
  • Support student recreation and community by increasing resources for Club Sports and maintaining inclusive fitness opportunities.
  • Strengthen student learning and professional development through the Spartan Daily, which provides hands-on journalism and media experience.
  • Enhance engagement and belonging by funding Student Engagement programs that foster leadership, cultural expression, and inclusive campus activities.
  • Improve accessibility and sustainability through transportation support, helping students commute to campus safely and affordably. Together, these investments ensure that 91 continues to offer high-quality, inclusive, and accessible programs that enrich every Spartan’s university experience.

 

What does the consultation process entail?

The California State University system has established two mechanisms for increasing fees as outlined in The mechanism identified for this proposed fee is alternative consultation.

Alternative consultation enables the university to meaningfully engage the campus community regarding the proposed fee. Open forums are held to ensure that students understand the fees and have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.

The Campus Fee Advisory Committee (CFAC) will compile and analyze student feedback, engage in committee discussions, and ultimately make a recommendation to President Teniente-Matson based on student feedback.

President Teniente-Matson is responsible for making the final campus decision. If approved by the president, the recommendation will move on to the CSU Chancellor for final review and approval.

 

What is the Campus Fee Advisory Committee (CFAC)?

CFAC is a campus committee consisting of students, faculty, staff and administrators. Learn more about the CFAC. 

 

When will I know if the fees are approved?

The CFAC will make a recommendation to the president based on the consultative process, including upcoming open forums. A formal announcement will be sent.

 

What does the alternative consultation process involve?

Under CSU Executive Order 1102, if it is determined that a referendum is not the best mechanism for appropriate and meaningful consultation, and is not required by the Education Code, an alternative consultation process may be utilized.  Alternative consultation strategies will be developed with input from Associated Students and CFAC in an effort to solicit input from the entire student body.  Examples of alternative consultation activities include the following: 

  • The campus will host open forums to inform and engage students.
  • CFAC will collect feedback, deliberate, and make a recommendation to President Cynthia Teniente-Matson.
  • If approved by the president, the proposal will be submitted to the CSU Chancellor’s Office for final approval.

 

When will I know if the fees are approved?

Following the consultation process, the CFAC will make a recommendation to the President. Once a decision is made, a formal campus-wide announcement will be sent to all students (projected for March 2026).

 

Who can participate in the IRA fee survey?

Only matriculated students enrolled in state-supported (state-side) courses may participate in the IRA fee survey. This is because the IRA fee applies only to students in state-supported programs.

Why can't Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) students complete the survey? 

Students enrolled exclusively in Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE), also known as self-support programs, are not required to pay the IRA fee. As a result, they are not eligible to participate in the survey, which is limited to students who would be sjubect to the fee.

How can eligible students access the survey?

All eligible students enrolled in state-supported courses will receive a survey link by email. The survey will also be avaiable through and Canvas.


Transportation Fee

Associated Students initially proposed a standalone transit fee as part of the AS fee to support a , recognizing that transportation costs and access directly affect students’ ability to get to campus, attend classes, and participate fully in university life.

After review, the President did not approve the proposal in its standalone form due to unresolved concerns, including uncertainty about long-term pricing and limited information regarding sustained campus-wide student utilization. Because of these factors, the President concluded that the transit fee did not meet the threshold for approval at that time, even though the underlying goal, improving transit access, was understood and valued.

Rather than ending the conversation, campus leadership–particularly the Vice President for Student Affairs–explored whether the student-requested transit benefit could be preserved within a broader, allowable fee structure. Including transit in the IRA proposal is intended to keep the benefit under consideration for the upcoming academic year. 

Why is transit being included in the IRA proposal?

Including transit in the IRA proposal was seen as a way to:

  • Keep a student-prioritized benefit under consideration rather than losing it altogether
  • Situate transit within a broader set of instructionally related and access-supporting activities
  • Manage financial and contractual uncertainty within a larger, diversified fee structure, rather than placing all risk on a single-purpose fee
Was transportation evaluated on its own before being included in the IRA proposal?

Yes. Transportation was initially evaluated as a standalone fee proposal, as part of the AS fee. The President determined that a standalone transit fee would not be pursued due to unresolved concerns about long-term pricing and limited information regarding sustained campus-wide student utilization. This decision was not based on a lack of recognition of transportation as a student priority.

Why did the campus incorporate the transit fee into the IRA instead of the MSF fee?

While CSU policy allows limited transit-related uses under MSF, this fee category is more restrictive in scope and is primarily intended for course-specific materials and facilities. Using the Materials and Services Fee (MSF) for transit would require additional approvals and a separate consultation or referendum process.

The IRA pathway allows broader programmatic flexibility and could be implemented in time to be included in financial aid packaging for 2026–27.

Based on these considerations, the IRA pathway was determined to be the most feasible way to preserve transit funding within the required timeline.

Could transportation be moved to a different fee category in the future?

Yes. The campus is not opposed to reevaluating the appropriate fee category for transportation in the future. Any change would require:

  • Compliance with CSU Fee Policy
  • Either a referendum or alternative consultation
  • Demonstrated student interest and support

 

Athletics

What is the IRA fee? 

The Instructionally Related Activities (IRA) fee is a mandatory student fee authorized by the California State University (CSU) system. It supports activities that are directly related to instruction but occur outside the traditional classroom, including labs, performances, and intercollegiate athletics. 

 

Why are athletics considered “instructionally related”?

Athletics are considered instructionally related because they:

  • Provide hands-on, experiential learning in leadership, teamwork, time management, and discipline
  • Support student development outcomes aligned with 91’s educational mission
  • Offer applied learning opportunities for students involved in sports management, kinesiology, athletic training, marketing, media, and event operations
  • The CSU system explicitly recognizes intercollegiate athletics as a valid use of IRA funds.

 

How does the IRA fee benefit students who are not athletes?

Even if a student never attends a game, athletics funded through the IRA fee bring significant value to the broader campus by:

  • Enhancing school pride, campus identity, and community engagement
  • Increasing 91’s visibility and reputation, which can strengthen the value of an 91 degree
  • Creating student jobs, internships, and leadership opportunities
  • Supporting campus events that bring students together and improve overall student life

 

What specifically does the IRA fee support in athletics?

IRA funds used for athletics typically support:

  • Student-athlete academic support services
  • Coaching and instruction directly tied to athletic participation
  • Equipment and facilities used for training and competition
  • Compliance with NCAA and conference requirements
  • Opportunities for students to participate in and attend intercollegiate competitions

IRA funds do not replace State general funds and are restricted to approved instructional purposes.

 

Why is additional or continued IRA funding needed for athletics?

Athletics costs continue to rise due to:

  • Increased travel, equipment, and operational expenses
  • Conference and NCAA compliance requirements
  • The need to remain competitive and viable within Division I athletics

Without sufficient IRA support, programs may face reductions in opportunities, competitiveness, or student services, which can negatively affect both athletes and the campus community.

 

How does IRA funding support equity and inclusion?

IRA-supported athletics funding helps ensure:

  • Equal opportunities for men’s and women’s sports
  • Compliance with Title IX requirements
  • Access to athletic participation regardless of a student’s financial background
  • This funding helps maintain a diverse and inclusive athletics program that reflects 91’s student population.

Reducing the number of sport teams is not an option due to Title IX compliance requirements.

 

What happens if IRA support for athletics is reduced or eliminated?

Without adequate IRA support, 91 could face:

  • Cuts to athletic programs or teams
  • Reduced student participation opportunities
  • Lower competitiveness and visibility
  • Fewer student employment and experiential learning opportunities

These impacts would extend beyond athletics and affect campus life and institutional reputation and opportunities for philanthropic support.

 

Looking to get involved and provide feedback? Learn about how you can take our survey in the one.sjsu portal. 

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