Campus Based Student Referendum Committee
University of California student fees are governed by Regental, Office of the President, and campus policies.
About Campus-Based Student Fee
To learn more about the process and timeline: Campus Procedures for Establishing, Increasing, Reducing, or Eliminating Campus-Based Student Fees
Types of Referenda
- Campus-initiated – Proposed by a UCR department, program, or unit with approval from campus executive leadership (e.g., Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs). Must follow the UCR Campus Procedures for Establishing, Increasing, Reducing, or Eliminating Campus-Based Fees.
- Student-initiated – Proposed by students or student organizations through ASUCR and governed by ASUCR’s election bylaws. Campus guidelines are advisory, but proposals that don’t follow them may not be recommended for approval by the Chancellor, UC Office of the President, or the Regents.
Goals of the Process
- The purpose of the referendum process is to make sure proposals are transparent, inclusive, and aligned with UC and UCR policies.
- Referenda are meant to encourage open discussion, provide students with clear and accurate information, and give the campus community an opportunity to weigh in on decisions that directly affect the student experience.
- In short, the process is designed to balance compliance with genuine student voice and involvement.
Student Involvement
Student participation is important at every step. Sponsors of a proposed fee are required to set up an advisory committee that includes student representation. At UCR, this typically includes voices from the Committee on Student Fees (CSF), ASUCR leadership, and the Graduate Student Association if graduate students would be affected. These committees meet regularly to provide input, review budgets, and help ensure accountability over the fee.
Fee Proposal Requirements at UCR
When a proposal is submitted, it must include several key elements: the complete text of the referendum and ballot language; a history and purpose statement that explains the background and need; and a clear statement of intent that outlines the fee amount, start date, duration, whether Summer is included, how the 25% return-to-aid will be applied, and how the remaining funds will be used. Proposals also need to include a marketing and voter education plan, a five-year budget projection with justifications, and a governance and accountability structure that shows how students will be part of oversight. Importantly, every proposal must also be backed by a sponsoring department with fiscal and administrative support.
Passing a Referendum during Elections
For a referendum to pass at UCR,
- At least 20% of eligible students must participate in the vote, and a simple majority of those voting (50% plus one) must approve it.
- Only students who would be required to pay the fee, whether undergraduate, graduate, or both, are eligible to vote.
- Abstentions are not counted toward the final totals.
- Election results are certified by the ASUCR Elections Committee and then forwarded by the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs to notify Chancellor, Legal, FP&A, and also UCOP and, when appropriate, the Regents for review and final approval.
Committee Members
- Brian L. Haynes, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
- Luis Alvarez, Chief of Staff & Chief Financial Administrative Officer, Student Affairs
- Sean Gil, Director, Career Center
- Ken Baerenklau, Associate Provost
- Gregory B. Hutchins, Vice President of External Affairs, Graduate Student Association
- Pauline Le, Governance Board
- Andrew Wong, Student Services Fee Advisory Committee Chair
- Jose A. Aguilar Sr., Executive Director, Financial Aid
- Kristina Hartley, Project Policy Analyst
- Laura Manor, Chief Financial & Administrative Officer, Research and Economic Development
- Jackie A. Rodriguez, Executive Director, Holistic Health Operations, Health & Wellness Administration
- Jose Ulloa Padilla, Financial Analyst, Art History Administration
Campus Based Student Referendum (Submission Form Currently Under Review)
- Form opens on TBD.
- Form closes on TBD.
Need Assistance?
If you are needing additional information or wanting consultation please reach out to vcsa@ucr.edu, for assistance.
Meeting Minutes
You Belong at UCR
All programs, services, and events offered through Student Affairs are open to everyone, consistent with federal and state law and the University of California’s nondiscrimination policies. Whether you’re seeking support, joining a community, or participating in campus life, every effort is made to ensure your experience is inclusive, respectful, and accessible, regardless of background or identity.
To learn more, visit the UC Nondiscrimination Statement or the Nondiscrimination Policy Statement for University of California Publications Regarding Student-Related Matters.