Regents approve $3 increase to University of Montana sustainability fee

The Board of Regents approved a $3 per semester increase to the University of Montana’s mandatory student‑driven sustainability fee, raising it from $6 to $9 per semester.

Deputy commissioner Trevor presented the proposal, explaining that the sustainability fee is a longstanding, mandatory, student‑driven fee whose projects are proposed by students and administered by a student committee. Trevor told the board the current fee yields roughly $100,000 per year and that the requested increase would begin this fall if approved.

Trevor said the student referendum recorded about 1,100 votes, with 748 voting in favor. He noted student driven fees are exempt from the board’s normal biannual schedule for other fees and described eligible uses — carbon emissions reduction, green building initiatives, sustainable transportation, building monitors and recycling programs — as student‑led projects.

Regent Folkford said the relatively small increase and the clear student support gave him confidence to approve the change. Chair Buchanan called for a voice vote; the board adopted the increase by unanimous voice vote.

The board’s approval authorizes the campus to implement the fee beginning this fall and to continue routing eligible projects through the student committee process.