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ASI Fee Referendum – For the Students, By the Students

What’s this all about? Here’s the Tea.

This referendum is about what your Associated Students Inc. Fee actually funds — YOUR jobs, YOUR clubs, YOUR hangouts, YOUR campus life. Your ASI Fee supports your ASI Student Government, Student Programming Board (SPB), Ekho the Mascot, The CI View (student news), Student Clubs & Organizations, and key Campus Partners (departments). Your fee contributes to student-led advocacy, large scale events & traditions, student club annual budgets, and student services such Advising, Student Success Center, Student Orgs & Involvement and CI’s Cultural Centers!

Since 2015, the fee has stayed flat at $75 per semester, but student needs and costs have grown. Because of this, the Student Fee Advisory Committee has recommended this ASI Fee Referendum for your vote and has proposed phased fee increases and nominal Higher Education Price Index (HEPI) adjustments for inflation. The ballot asks if we should update the fee, so events, services, and spaces remain strong and is an opportunity for you to join in this effort and vote on this proposal during a special election this fall semester November 3-5, 2025.

What’s on the Ballot?

The current fee is $75 per semester. The proposed increase would be an added $20 per semester in fall 2026, then an added $20 per semester in fall 2027, bringing the total fee to $115 per semester/$230 per year by 27-28, followed by nominal Higher Education Price Index (HEPI) percentage increases for inflation thereafter.

The phased fee increase keeps the fee predictable and transparent for YOU! And ensures student programs and services remain strong now and for future Dolphins.

ASI Fee Referendum Sample Ballot (PDF, 518KB)

ASI Fee Referendum Pamphlet

How can students Vote? Voting 101: No Stress, Just Steps!

Vote Online:

Check your CI email for your ballot link.
Opens Monday, November 3 @ 8am
Closes Wednesday, November 5 @ 5pm

Vote In-Person at these Events:

Monday, November 3 with Churro Champ
Tuesday, November 4 @ Foodie Tuesday
Wednesday, November 5 with Churro Champ
11:00am-1:30pm at the Seabreeze Lawn
Free food, music, giveaways, and voting!

Who Can Vote:

All enrolled CI students are eligible* and are encouraged to vote in the ASI Fee Referendum.

*The exception are students who do not pay Category II Fees (i.e. Extended Education and Open University students).

What Your Vote Means

A YES VOTE:

A YES vote on the referendum means each enrolled student at CSU Channel Islands would pay the increased fee as outline in the referendum and benefits would include:

More Resources for Student Clubs & Organizations: Student clubs will have more funding and increased allocations. This means more opportunities for clubs to host activities, pursue initiatives, and engage students.
Enhanced Campus Programming: ASI programs such as ASI Student Government, The CI View and Student Programming Board will receive increased funding to host more frequent or higher-quality engagement opportunities, creating a more dynamic and vibrant campus life experience.
Continued Support for Essential Services: Funding will ensure programs like CI’s Cultural Centers, Advising, Orientation & Engagement Programs, and Student Success Center remain effective and accessible, supporting students’ academic and personal growth. Initiatives like Weeks of Welcome, Heritage Month programming, and First Gen Week will continue to thrive.
Improved Student Spaces & Amenities: With additional funding, ASI can enhance student support spaces, making them more welcoming and functional for studying, socializing, and participating in campus life, such as the Student Leadership and Involvement Center run by Student Organizations & Involvement (SOI).
Expanded Student Job & Leadership Opportunities: More resources will allow for greater support of student leadership initiatives, jobs, and key partnerships, empowering students to advocate for their peers, shape campus policies, and develop leadership skills.

A NO VOTE:

A NO vote on the referendum means each enrolled student at CSU Channel Islands would continue to pay the current fee. Without an increase, maintaining current programs and services may be challenging. This could lead to:

Reduced funding for student clubs and organizations.
Fewer or lower-quality campus events.
Limited support for vital student services like advising and cultural programs.
Outdated or insufficient student spaces and amenities.

PROS OF INCREASING THE ASI FEE:

Financial Aid Coverage: The fee is part of the cost of attendance and may be covered by financial aid for eligible students.
Stronger Campus Community: Enhanced funding supports a vibrant campus life with diverse programs and events.
Sustained Essential Services: Key resources that support student success and well-being will remain fully funded and accessible.
Leadership and Advocacy Opportunities: More funding means more chances for students to take on leadership roles and engage in meaningful engagement on campus.

CONS OF INCREASING THE ASI FEE:

Increased Costs: Some students may feel financial pressure, especially if they are ineligible for financial aid.
Perceived Unequal Benefits: Students who don’t actively engage in ASI programs may question the fee’s relevance to their experience.