04:19:00 International Fee

Purpose

To establish guidelines for expending student international fees.

Policy

I. Authority

Walters State Community College is a learning-centered comprehensive public two-year higher education institution and a component of the State University and Community College System of Tennessee governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents. Consistent with Walters State’s shared vision for guiding the college into the twenty-first century and with the values expressed within the Campus Compact, the college initiated internationalizing efforts across all facets of the institution on all campus locations. These internationalizing efforts meet both Tennessee Board of Regents and Walters State Strategic Plan Goals as they relate to leadership, access, quality and resourcefulness. The college is also a member of the Tennessee Consortium for International Studies (TnCIS).

In 2007 the Walters State Student Government Association brought forth a student referendum supporting an additional student fee for international educational activities. The College submitted the request and with subsequent approval by the Tennessee Board of Regents, the college instituted an international fee. The approved international fee would be one dollar per credit hour, up to a maximum of twelve credit hours (twelve dollars) for Fall and Spring semesters only. The fee will be unrestricted current funds revenues, and would be refundable on the same basis as maintenance fees, or as established by the institution.

II. Purpose

For the purpose of receiving funds from the Student International Fee, the term “international” is defined as reaching beyond the national and cultural experiences of our students and enabling them to study the culture and national affairs of other nations.

As a student fee, the international fee should be used for direct student benefit. Built on the foundation that emphasizes learning outcomes, applied experiences, and celebration of global diversity, the international fee will be utilized to provide international experiences for students. These international experiences will seek the following outcomes by providing to students:

• experiences supporting professional growth, personal enrichment, and lifelong learning;
• cultural enrichment programs and activities that promote the arts and illuminate the heritage of the contemporary world;
• public service efforts in support of global economic, workforce, and community development;
• programs, services, and activities designed to enhance student learning, achievement, personal development, sense of civic responsibility, leadership skills, and general welfare from an international perspective; and
• opportunities for international travel.

III. Allocation of Funds

Walters State will utilize the International Fee to provide an extensive variety of international learning experiences to students throughout its service area as is feasible. The approved student referendum and subsequent International Fee Oversight Committee and Walters State administrative approval established the allocation of collected fees to be:

• Eighty percent (80%) for on campus/local/regional international events and on campus international learning experiences;
• Fifteen percent (15%) for international study abroad scholarships;
• Five percent (5%) for joint activities with local communities within the college’s service area;
• $25,000.00 will be held in reserve in the annual budget each year for possible extenuating and/or emergency circumstances
  
  Funding for the International Education Specialist position will be provided through the International Fee prior to requested allocations.

IV. International Fee Oversight Committee Membership

A committee comprised of Walters State students, faculty, staff and administrators determines how funds will be allocated. Committee members include:

Vice President for Academic Affairs, Co-chair
Vice President for Student Services and Director of Athletics, Co-chair
Vice President for Business & Finance
1 Division Dean
1 International Club Advisor
8 Faculty Members (one faculty member from each division selected for two year terms)
Director of Student Accounts and Revenue
Coordinator of Diversity Services and Programs
4 SGA Officers, the elected Student Representatives from each campus
1 Senators Page, Student Representative
1 International Club member, Student Representative
1 TnCIS representative (individual who is leading a TnCIS trip will be selected)

Ex-Officio members include:
President
Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dean of Sevier County Campus
Dean of the Greeneville/Greene County Center of Higher Education
Assistant Vice President for Student Services/Special Assist to the President for Diversity
Director of Audit and Consulting Services
International Education Specialist

The International Fee Oversight Committee will meet a minimum of once per semester.

V. Allocation Calendar

11/12; 12/15