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Public User Fees
As a state agency, Sacramento State is not allowed to give our resources, including staff time and services, for free. CSU Public User Fees (PUFs) are charges assessed by California State University campuses and departments for services, facilities, or materials provided to the public. These fees are governed by Executive Order 1102, and are set to cover the full cost of the service, facility, or material. Sacramento State, manages its own PUFs, with the Administration & Business Affairs Vice President & CFO (ABA VP/CFO) making the final determination.
PUFs on our campus frequently refer to fingerprinting, passport services, and many other activities.
Public User Fees vs. Event Fees
It is often difficult to discern the difference between a Public User Fee and an Event Fee. Please see the table below for more information on telling the difference.
Please connect with the Accounting Services department for more information and for direction on completing a proposal for a new or for changes to an Event Fee.
| Public User Fees | Event Fees |
|---|---|
| A service provided by campus or Department to the public | Purpose is for fundraising or conference. Not specifically for students |
| Tickets to campus activities | Doing for the public in general |
| Students can attend for free or at significant discount | If students want to attend they would also need to pay for entry |
| Examples Include: Fingerprinting, passports, theatrical productions, planetarium | Examples Include: Sports camps, consortiums, special events |
Process
Requesting New PUFs
Once your department or program has determined you need a PUF, you will want to:
- Download the PUF Request Form
- Review the form to understand what information we need to make our determination on the fee(s)
- Locate comparable services at other universities
- Determine what the fee at these institutions entails
- Determine what your fee will entail
- Include links AND attach pdf copies of the pages to the request
- Develop a two-year projection of revenue and expenses
- The proposal must show that the fee revenues will cover all anticipated expenses
- Thoroughly answer all questions
- You do not need signatures at this point
Once you have your proposal filled out, submit it to Accounting Services for review. They will determine if the activities are appropriate for a PUF, and if the revenue will cover expenses. Once Accounting Services is done reviewing the proposal, they will email the form back to the sponsor, who will get the department and divisional approvals. This signed form should then be emailed to Jeanne Brewster for further review.
Please email Financial Services if you have any questions.