In Fall 2025, UC Merced will begin assessing a Student Technology Course Fee to all undergraduate and graduate students. This fee is a vital mechanism for enabling a high-quality, technology enhanced learning environment for all students – supporting the direct acquisition of software, services, and cutting-edge tools to support the student experience at UC Merced. This mandatory fee is assessed each term.
Initial services supported by the fee include:
- Course delivery services including the CatCourses learning management system, Kaltura lecture capture service, and associated tools for assignment submission, grading, and exam delivery
- Collaboration tools including the Microsoft 365 suite, Zoom, and unlimited Box cloud storage
- Open access computer labs and a variety of general-interest software delivered through traditional computer labs and the RemoteLabs virtual service to support instruction and learning
- A semesterly printing credit for use at campus print stations
Later this fall, the Office of Information Technology will convene a campus advisory committee to ensure governance and oversight, providing recommendations to the Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer on the software and services included in the fee. The committee will include representation from faculty and both undergraduate and graduate students via ASUCM and GSA. Please check back early this fall for additional information on the advisory committee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Student Technology Course Fee?
The fee is assessed for each academic term. The current rate is published in the Course Catalog.
How is the fee collected?
The fee is posted to your student account via MyBill like all other tuition and fees.
Do other campuses assess a similar fee?
In addition to UC Merced, five other University of California campuses charge a similar student technology fee (Berkeley, Irvine, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Santa Barbara).
How can I propose or recommend a service or software for inclusion in the fee?
Please check back later this fall for details on the fee advisory committee.
Where do I go for billing questions related to the fee?
The Students First Center can answer questions related to your student bill.
Where do I go for questions about the technology services covered by this fee?
Please visit the OIT Service Hub and click “Get Help” to talk with an OIT staff member.
