Student Enhancement Fee

What does an undergraduate student's enhancement fee provide? The Student Enhancement fee of $300 is applicable to undergraduates and the funds go directly to Student Life to help subsidize important student activities such as events and concerts, cultural programs, wellness programs, and other student initiatives.

In 2023-2024, a total of $573,500 was allocated for student initiatives. The below chart provides the allocation of funds.

Categories Include:

Go Big: These are the large-scale, fun events! Events have included Casino Night, Spring Concert, Fall Fest, and various campus-wide activities. The Go Big category is intended to be large events that create memorable experiences for students. 

Belonging: This category is intended to help students feel a greater sense of belonging on campus. With deliberate attention to fostering students’ sense of connection to Saint Mary’s, events from fall 2023 that were captured by this category included enhanced welcome events, the diversity dance, the battle of the halls, and- ending the semester- the Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration. In addition, new lounge furniture lines the pool after being supported by the fee. Spring 2024 events featured first generation student events and a series of finals week events.

Exploration: The category of exploration includes the outdoor adventure program, which has gone on river rafting, camping, horse-back riding, and a variety of other trips off-campus. These once in a lifetime opportunities take advantage of the local Bay Area.

Wellness: Supporting students’ mind, body, and soul, the wellness category is intended to support student success by offering activities and initiatives that nourish students. Wellness initiatives included increased fitness classes, guest speakers and workshop organizers, and support for student events surrounding health and wellbeing. 

Student Development: The category of student development provides opportunities for students to develop their skills and talents through engaging and intentional programming. These activities are intended to enhance student engagement and have supported leadership development and student website opportunities, including a leadership conference, micro-grants for student-driven events, and the development of leadership opportunities.

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2024-2025 Enhancement Fee Proposals

The application for the 2024-2025 student enhancement fee is now open! We recommend first reviewing the application to ensure you have all of the information & materials that are requested. Utilize the chart below to prepare your application materials.

2024-2025 Enhancement Fee Application

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What happens once I submit an application?

1. A member of the Enhancement Fee Committee will email you with any questions or comments.
2. The Enhancement Fee Committee will review the materials and determine: a) approval; b) need for further information or modification; c) denial or request to re-submit. This process takes 2-3 weeks.
3. The Chair, or designee, will contact the collaborators with the results of the application. If approved, details on next steps will be included.

The Enhancement Fee Committee includes representatives from Student Life departments including members of the Intercultural Center, Campus Rec & Club Sports, CARE/Wellness, Residential Experience, Campus Safety, and students including an at-large undergraduate student, Associated Students Vice President for Student Organizations, Associated Students Vice President for Finance, and Chair of the Campus Activities Board. The Vice President serves as the Chair of the committee and is a non-voting member.