In Spring 2015, students approved the GOLD fee referendum to increase holistic support for the success of non-traditional students (including first generation, low-income, underrepresented, transfer, undocumented, student parent, re-entry, student veteran, and foster youth) at UC Berkeley. This comprehensive support helps ensure that these students have what is necessary to effectively transition into the university from high school or community college, fully engage in academic and personal enrichment opportunities, progress towards timely graduation, and become equipped to succeed beyond UC Berkeley.
In order to address increasing student needs and demand, GOLD enabled the expansion of the of the Centers for Educational Equity and Excellence (CE3), which consists of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), Transfer Student Center (TSC), Student Parent Center (SPC), Re-Entry Student Program (RSP), Undocumented Student Program (USP), Berkeley Hope Scholars (serves orphans and foster youth, formerly called CISN), and the Cal Veteran Services Center (CVSC).
In Fall 2015, the GOLD fee was established at the rate of $19 per semester ($38 per year). The fee is not assessed for summer session students. In accordance with campus policy, thirty-three percent (33%) of the fee is returned to financial aid to help offset the cost of this fee for students who are eligible for financial aid. The fee may be increased, subject to review by the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Student Services and Fees and the Chancellor’s approval, up to 3% per year to adjust for annual inflation.
Current Fee Level & Breakdown
Oversight of the GOLD Fee
As noted in the original GOLD language, the Advisory Committee will consist of: The Executive Director of The Centers for Educational Equity and Excellence (CE3); the Associate Director of CE3; the Transfer Center Program Director; One ASUC elected representative appointed by the Academic Affairs Vice President (AAVP); Four Undergraduate representatives appointed by The Centers for Educational Equity and Excellence (CE3); One GA elected representative appointed by the Campus Affairs Vice President (CAVP); One Committee on Student Fees (CSF) Representative. The Advisory Committee also includes faculty, alumni, and financial analyst non-voting members.
The Advisory Committee meets a minimum of two times in the academic year. It has established the following working rules:
Discussion
-
When opening the floor to discuss, a member can raise their hand to be added to an active queue that the moderator will update. Each member is granted 2 minutes to speak. If the speaker runs out of time, another member may cede their time to the speaker for an additional 2 minutes.
Voting
-
Only voting members will be allowed to vote if an actionable item is put forward. To send a motion to be voted on, one member can suggest an item and another member must second.
-
When voting, members will be asked to vote for: Yes, No, Abstain. If the Yes is over 50%, the motion will pass. If the No is over 50%, the motion will fail.
Proxies
-
If a voting member will not be present, they are entitled to have a proxy attend the meeting on their behalf. As such, they are entitled to all rights and may vote if needed.