Combined with the proposed increase in tuition, college costs at OSU would exceed the 6 percent annual limit set by the Ohio General Assembly, with some exceptions. That's why OSU needs the regents' approval for the technology fee. What constitutes an exception is vague. The regents voted to review each circumstance as it arises. The regents requested more information from OSU and will take up the fee next week at their meeting at the Kent State University branch in Trumbull County.
Students give the fee mixed reviews.
I feel like Ohio State will be handicapped without this fee,'' said Divakar Goswami, a graduate student and associate director for student technologies. Josh Mandel, outgoing student body president, said OSU grads often don't measure up to peers from other schools in job interviews because their technological abilities aren't as good. That fee was added in 1997 and allows students to ride buses without fares. Suzanne Wegner, a junior psychology major, said not all students would benefit from the technology fee. It would be a waste for the psychology department, because they have all the technology they need.