FAQ – IRA Baseline Fee
- What is the amount of the credit for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021?The Instructionally Related Activity (IRA) Fee will be reduced by $29 for Fall 2020 and $29 for Spring 2021.
- How was the $29 amount determined?Chico State has determined that instructionally-related travel and in-person event services will not be provided, delivered, or used during the fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters. As a result, the Instructionally Related Activities Fee will be reduced by $29 per semester.
- Will I get a refund of $29?
Fall 2020 registration fees will be adjusted to reflect the $29 credit for all students. However, if you fall into any of these categories, you may not receive a refund. Instead, the credit will be returned directly to the various programs.
- Recipient of a sponsoring agency who pays the IRA fee – Examples include (but are not limited to) foreign embassies; Department of Rehabilitation; and Post 9-11 GI benefit.
Recipient of a fee waiver.
Some financial aid students – The “fees” component of the financial aid cost of attendance (COA) will also be reduced by $29 dollars per semester. If this fee reduction causes an overaward of financial aid or scholarship funds, your refund may be applied to your account to repay the overawarded amount.
- If I have a balance due for Fall 2020 will I get a refund?No, credits will be applied to any outstanding charges on your student account.
- If I have registered for Spring 2021 will I get a refund or will my credit be applied to Spring?
It depends. If the credit is the result of a payment you made out of pocket (versus financial aid credit) then the credit will pay outstanding charges for the Spring or Winter terms. If the credit from a financial aid then it will be refunded to you. - If I withdrew from the semester will I still get a $29 IRA baseline fee credit?Your IRA credit will prorate according to the refund schedule and your withdrawal date.
- When will all adjustments and refunds be completed?The University will begin working on adjustments immediately. To ensure all financial aid awards are correctly adjusted and all programs are credited correctly, we expect the process to be completed by 11/20/2020.
- What is the fastest and most secure way to receive my refund?If you are eligible for a refund, it is advised you enroll in direct deposit for the fastest and most secure refund. You can enroll, or verify your bank information, directly in your student center. The campus will never ask for your bank information via email.
- Why aren’t the other campus mandatory fees being adjusted?This analysis determined the 2020-21 IRA baseline fees could be reduced by $29/semester due to the CSU restrictions on travel and in-person events that limit the realization of related planned IRA activities. Other campus mandatory were not adjusted because their fees generally cover fixed and ongoing expenses and costs that the university continues to incur during the pandemic to finance, maintain and operate student facilities and programs (many of which remain available to students via remote access). Examples of these costs include but are not limited to ongoing administrative and overhead costs such as student government programs (ASI), academic retention and support, progress toward degree completion, employee wages and benefits, expenses for utilities, repair and maintenance, and payment of financing and long-term debt obligations for some facilities.
For more information about services being provided virtually please visit the Coronavirus Student Resources Page