Answer: The instructionally related activities (IRA) fee is governed by the California Education code to fund out-of-the classroom, experiential learning opportunities to benefit student success.
As of the 25/26 academic year, the IRA fee is $199 per year. For further information, please visit https://www.csusb.edu/student-financial-services/tuition-and-fees.
The California State University system has established two mechanisms for increasing fees as outlined in Executive Order 1102. The mechanism identified for this proposed fee increase is alternative consultation.
An alternative consultation provides an opportunity for the university to engage with students meaningfully regarding this proposed change. Student questions and feedback will be collected via a survey at various campus connection points, including, but not limited to, class presentations, information sessions, and tabling events.
Student feedback will be compiled and analyzed, then shared with President Morales with a synthesis of the collected feedback.
President Morales 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.
Answer: Yes, the instructionally related activity fee is included in your cost of attendance.
Please visit: https://www.calstate.edu/apply/paying-for-college/csu-costs/tuition-and-fees/campus-mandatory-fees for further information.
The proposed fee change will begin the fall 2026 semester.
The IRA student fee increase directly enhances the student experience at CSUSB by supporting critical campus functions, determined by the approved 94/95 student fee referendum. These functions include IRA-funded experiential learning activities that provide students with meaningful hands-on and professional experience, CSUSB athletics, sports clubs, your RecWell experience, and Special Events & Guest Services. Informed by student feedback, funds are allocated to support experiential learning activities that enhance student success and retention, and to provide important opportunities that expand networking and professional development skills.
Programs and opportunities funded by the IRA Fee include:
- AI Integration Workshop Series
- Commencement
- Coyote Radio
- Coyote Chronicle
- Dotphotozine
- Education Abroad
- History in the Making: A Journal of History
- Infant Toddler Lab School
- Liberal Studies
- Marine Biology and Ichthyology
- Model UN
- Music
- PAWS Radio & Media Lab
- RAFFMA
- RecWell/Sport Clubs
- The Pacific Review
- Television Studio & Production Lab
- Theatre Arts
- The Speaking Center at JHBC
- Thesis, Project, and Dissertation Success Programs
- Yotes Athletics
The IRA Fee is intended to support activities and laboratory experiences to enrich students’ academic experiences. Since the IRA fee was last increased in 2015, the costs of supporting such activities have increased, beyond the university’s control. CSUSB continues to work through these challenges and recognizes the importance of instructionally related activities' impact on student academic and personal success. This fee adjustment will continue to support and grow these efforts.
For both the San Bernardino and Palm Desert campuses:
- More funding to support student engagement activities through Yotes Athletics, music and theatre art productions, Recreation & Wellness (e.g., sport clubs), etc.
- Sustaining & increasing campus student employment opportunities available to all students.
- Investments toward IRA-activity related student travel to attend competitions or professional conferences.
- Funds to be dedicated toward student support services that offer study spaces, testing materials, and direct services for students with dependents.
- Student programming funds to provide various laboratory experiences in journalism, literary training, radio, television, film, and art shows in connection with degree programs.