With the changes that have developed over the course of the past several semesters, many students have asked questions about fees, tuition and the cost of being a Graduate student at the University of Windsor. The GSS is committed to always providing information to our members and advising them on what each admin fee, cost and dollar means.
Two terms that can be confusing are tuition vs. ancillary fee. There are lots of different fees that students are required to pay as part of their UWindsor student experience. Some of these fees were created by the University whereas some were created by you, the student.
We have provided definitions for both terms that are posted on the University website:
Tuition fees support the cost of academic program delivery, which is not specific to the mode of delivery (in-person or other). Your tuition fees are vital to maintaining the academic continuity and operations of the University, and to providing the supports you and your peers require both now and when we return to normal operations. As part of the balanced budget that we present annually to our Board of Governors, we have, after consultation with student leaders, set tuition fee levels for next year that will enable the University to continue to invest in high-quality courses and programs for undergraduate, graduate, international, and domestic students. Therefore, if you are taking your courses, completing your program, and getting your degree, then the regular tuition fees for those educational credentials will continue to apply.
Ancillary fees are used to provide important services and resources for students. As part of the balanced budget that is presented annually to our Board of Governors, we have, with consultation with students, set many of the ancillary fee levels for next year that will enable the University to continue to offer a variety of services and programs for students.
As we move forward, we will continue to review our fee structure and ensure that the needs of our student members are always put first. Below is more information about specific fees that are associated with the GSS. We are working on updating a new section of our website with more fee related information.
GSS Opportunity Fee (Also known as society fee) – $15.49
The purpose of this fee is to provide direct operational and service support to all graduate students. From events, conference travel grants, sponsorships, club supported events and all general operations, this fee has always been the cornerstone of the GSS funding model. By providing students with additional opportunities to enhance their student experience on campus, this fee goes directly back to the student. The fee of $15.49 is one that supports all Graduate Students from the time they arrive on campus until they complete their program. The Social Events and Clubs Coordinator role was created to support students who wish to create a club or group on campus. By providing operational support, planning and direction for forming a club and running events this position is also supported by the GSS Opportunity Fee.
GSS Grad House Operations – $6.38
The GSS Grad House is located in the Neal Education building. The Mare Nostrum restaurant currently occupies part of our Grad House. The GSS offices are located behind the restaurant which supports and assists all Graduate Students five days a week both in person and online. The fee will be used to support the physical operations of the house like the purchasing of technology, the lease for our printers, mail distribution, cleaning, office supplies, office equipment and other expenses incurred in the operation of the physical Grad House. A fee of $6.38 per student per semester will be assessed.
UPass Card and Admin Fee – (The full fee amount will be assessed at the start of the Fall semester For Winter intake students they will be charged $2.50. The UPass is $132 for both Fall and Winter semesters. $66 for just Winter)
The Universal Bus Pass program (UPass) is a card-based bus pass service that is provided by Transit Windsor. The cost of the program is $66 per semester and students will be charged $132 in the Fall semester for both the Fall and Winter terms. A $5 admin fee has been added to the program to support the administration of the pass, distribution, promotion and all student-related interactions with the program. The admin fee covers students for both the Fall and Winter semesters.
The Fall UPass program has been suspended for the semester due to COVID and as a way to reduce unused services for our student members.
Green Shield Drug and Dental Admin Fee – $9
- Note – If a student is eligible to opt-out of their Drug and Dental Plan, the $9 admin fee will still be assessed for that student. Opting out of the Drug and Dental plan does not allow the student to be refunded of this fee. The length of the program (4,8,12 or 16 months) will all be assessed the $9 fee.
The Green Shield Student Drug and Dental plan is a major benefit to all Graduate Students and one that many students need to be successful while studying on campus. A $9 admin fee has been added to the program to ensure that program administration, face to face interactions, plan review and the direct link to the insurance provider is always maintained. This fee will be assessed when the plan is activated for each student. For more information about the Green Shield Student Drug and Dental fee, click on the link provided.
Grad House Capital (GHC) Fee – $6.38/course (up to a maximum of $31.90 of 5 courses)
The GHC fee is currently $6.38/course with a maximum amount being charged to the student of $31.90. This funding is restricted to only capital spending for the physical Grad House. This fee supports the Grad House and all UWindsor Graduate Students by ensuring a physical location for students to come to ask questions, obtain information about GSS services and programs, and feel safe when seeking assistance or direction on student experience concerns. A Grad House is an important feature within the graduate student experience and the GSS has maintained a Grad House since it was founded.
GSS Student Advocate Admin Fee – $2.57
The Office of the Student Advocate was established to provide academic support to all graduate students that are not provided or offered by the University. Assisting in writing academic appeals, representing and advocating for students in academic need and providing mediation services.
