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 (Submission Form Below)

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

• Dr. Brian Haynes, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
• Luis Alvarez, Interim Chief of Staff/Chief Financial Administrative Officer
• Kevin Nguyen Chastain, Senior Administrative Officer
• Sean Gil, Director of the Career Center
• Ken Baerenklau, Associate Provost
• Gregory Hutchins, Grad Student
• Pauline Le, Governance Board
• Andrew Wong, Student Services Fee Advisory Committee Chair
• Jose A. Aguilar, Jose Executive Director, Financial Aid Office
• Kristina Hartley, Project Policy Analyst
• Laura Manor, Chief Financial Administrative Officer
• Jackie A. Rodriguez, Senior Director of Financial & Business Operations
• Jose Ulloa Padilla, Financial and Administrative Assistant

Campus Based Student Referendum Submission Form

• Call for Referendums 
• Form opens on October 13, 2025 at 8 a.m.
• Form closes on  January 9, 2026 at 5 p.m.

Need Assistance?

If you are needing additional information or wanting consultation please reach out to Dr. Kevin Nguyen Chastain, kevin.chastain@ucr.edu, for assistance.