CSUMB students protest $800 fee to live on campus over winter break
UPDATE: 11/03/19 10:43 p.m.: California State Monterey Bay will not implement the $800 housing fee that was announced last month.
This development comes after students held a rally Friday wherein they voiced their concerns about the fee.
The Director of Student Housing and Residential Life said in a statement that although the fee will be waived for this upcoming winter quarter, the need for the fee will be “re-addressed” at a later date.
ORIGINAL STORY:
It will no longer be free for California State Monterey Bay students to live in the dorms over winter break. The school notified students in October that it will now cost $800 to stay on campus during the month long break.
The university decided to implement the charge to staff the 14 residential buildings that stay open over the break.
There was a student demonstration opposing the new fee, Friday.
“Students realized ‘oh this could mean that I’m homeless. This could mean that I could have to live out of my car. This could mean that I can’t work, and then can’t afford next semester because I worked during the winter to be able to afford the next semester term’,” CSUMB student Sol Rivera said.
Friday, students, like senior Jamie Damian, expressed those concerns out front the campus housing building.
“One of two things. Either I have a home and don’t have money to support myself over winter break, or I don’t have a home but I have a job,” Damian said.
Damian’s family lives in southern California, and he made the decision, before this charge was announced last month, he’d stay here and work, so he can afford next semester. However, if he has to pay an extra $800, it won’t be that simple.
“They’re moving the goal post a little further for me financially,” the senior said.
At today’s rally, some faculty members showed up to hear those concerns from their students, and the housing director even talked directly to students.
“Situations like today are a great way for the student body to connect with the housing administration, and university to find a balance between what the student needs are and what the university needs are,” CSUMB Spokesman Noah Rappahahn said.
Students suggest a payment plan, a way to get financial aid support and a pro-rate fee for those who aren’t staying the entire break. The school says they will meet to discuss the suggestions.
On campus student workers and student athletes will not have to pay to stay, and the university says they’ll work with students on an individual basis to try to help.