Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for a Student Technology Fee grant?

Western Washington University faculty, staff, or students (through an Associated Student organization) can apply.

Any grouping of faculty, staff, and students may apply together.

How are proposals submitted?

See Proposal Form Instructions on this website.

Proposals that involve site preparation are due in draft form to Space Administration by mid-January each year.

All proposals must be submitted both electronically and by delivering eight paper copies on the Final Proposal due date.

Proposals originating from Departments within Colleges must be approved by the College Dean. The Dean's Office then submits their STF proposals in one bundle to the Provost's Office on the due date. This enables the Colleges to stay informed as to who is submitting what proposal, and what equipment is being sought by Departments.

Please allow time for your Collge Dean to review and approve your proposal before the STF due date.

Do other schools have a Student Technology Fee?

Yes, most Washington state colleges and universities have a Student Technology Fee. Technology fees at other Washington state universities:

• Central Washington University: $25 per quarter
• Eastern Washington University: $35 per quarter
• The Evergreen State College: $5-$150, dependent on use
• University of Washington: $41 per quarter
• Washington State University: none
• Western Washington University: $17 per quarter

Does the Student Technology Fee pay for printing in computer labs?

The Student Technology Fee does not cover ongoing supply costs for computer labs. With the exception of the Student Technology Center, which was established in part with Student Technology Fee funds, the STF program does not fund ongoing operating expenses. Printing supplies in the General University Computer Labs (such as paper, toner, printer repairs, etc.) come out of the operating budget for ATUS.

Does the Student Technology Fee pay the University computer personnel salaries?

The Student Technology Fee policies currently do not permit paying any permanent salaries. In general, the Student Technology Fees have not even been allocated to pay student salaries.

Who decides the amount of the Student Technology Fee?

The Associated Students of WWU are asked to vote on proposed increases to the fee. Western Washington University's Board of Trustees must then approve all student fees. A fee increase was last voted on and approved in spring 2009.

How can I help decide how the Student Technology Fee fund is spent?

If you're a Western student:

• Get involved by voting in AS elections when Student Technology Fee increases are proposed.
• Ask the Associated Students about how to participate more actively; 2 of the AS Board members sit on the STF Committee.
• Review the STF proposals posted on this website (in mid-January).
• Submit comments on the proposals to the STF Committee.

If you're a Western faculty or staff member:

• Review the STF proposals for funding posted on the web each year.
• Submit comments on the proposals to the STF Committee.

What doesn't the Student Technology Fee pay for?

The Student Technology Fee does not cover costs for:

• Buildings
• Salaries
• Supply costs for the STF-funded items
• Maintenance for STF-funded items
• Residence hall computer lab equipment or supplies
• Bandwidth for residence halls
• ResTek or ATUS Help Desk staffing

What technology has the Student Technology Fee brought to campus?

• Student Modem Pool
• Wireless laptop loan program
• Computers for General University and department labs
• GPS devices
• SLR cameras and video equipment
• Sound and lighting equipment
• Microscopes
• Specialty printers
• For a complete listing, see the STF History page

Does the University contribute to the Student Technology Fee?

Currently, the Student Technology Fee fund is supplemented by $150,000 from the University. The STF fund may also be supplemented on an individual project basis through matching funds from college departments or other grants.

What is the timeline for the Student Technology Fee process?

Early October:	Call for Proposals
Mid-November (by 12:00 noon):	DRAFT PROPOSALS for projects needing any site prep due in draft form via email to Francis Halle, Director of Space Administration: Francis.Halle@wwu.edu
Mid-November:	Space Administration will return draft proposals to applicants by this date.
Department & College due dates:	Please check with your department for internal due dates. Your Department Chair and the Dean of your College must sign your STF Proposal.
Early December (by 12:00 noon):	FINAL PROPOSALS due to Provost’s Office, OM460. Please see the Proposal Form Instructions to submit your proposal.
Winter Quarter:	Proposal Review and Site Visits STF Committee members meet weekly to discuss proposals and make site visits for each project. If you have submitted a proposal, you can expect a Student Tech Fee Committee member to contact you to arrange a visit with you and any co-applicants who can make the meeting. The STF Committee member will bring questions from the committee as a whole regarding your proposal, and he or she will want to see the site where the proposed technology will be installed. We look forward to visiting with you during Winter Quarter.
By mid-March:	STF Committee determines final award recommendations, and sends recommendations to WWU President Bruce Shepard and AS President Matt Jarrell for their joint approval of proposal funding.
Early April:	Announcement of STF Award recipients. Award recipients have been notified.
June-July:	STF-funded equipment is generally purchased in early summer.
August-September:	Implementation and equipment familiarization. It is intended that STF-funded equipment will be available Fall Quarter for student use.