UB has proposed a 5.98 percent increase in the Comprehensive Fee for 2015-16 in order “to continue to offer programs and services that our UB students need and expect in the current state, SUNY and UB budget climate.”

The increase, according to a letter to students from Provost Charles F. Zukoski, and Dennis Black, vice president for university life and services, would support state-mandated increases in salaries and fringe benefits for employees, increased technology and library costs and services, the bus contract negotiated in 2012 and central academic investments. The increase also would provide support for critical mental health and health services.

“UB desires to remain one of the nation's best buys in higher education and will continue to be a major public university and the premier public institution in the Northeast with continued student support,” the letter states.

Components of the Comprehensive Fee support intercollegiate athletics and intramural services (undergraduates only), campus life, college fee (set by SUNY), student health, technology, transportation and transcripts.

More details, including information on the specific components of the Comprehensive Fee and the waiver process, are available on the Student Accounts website.

Students may comment on the proposed fee increase via email  through March 6. Additional feedback may be provided to the representatives from the areas supported by student fees and by Facebook through Feb. 28. An assessment of student interests and concerns also is being conducted via the My Opinion survey that can be accessed through MyUB. Results will be shared via the broad-based fee website.