Engineering Fee Revenue Distribution Process Policy

Effective FY27, the Assistant Dean of Finance and Administration and the Dean have approved a streamlined process for distribution of Engineering Fee revenue that will provide a greater baseline share to departments than in the past while also simplifying the allocation process. Under the new process: 

• 75% of the academic year’s estimated revenue will be distributed to departments in the Fall semester, usually around mid-to-late September. This allocation totals approximately $2M annually based on current rates, spread across each department based on enrollment. (See Undergraduate Tuition and Graduate Tuition accordingly). 
• At the end of the fiscal year, once actual revenue is calculated by the Budget Office, a true-up will be processed to the departments. If the actual revenue is less than the earlier estimates, a pullback will be processed proportional to enrollments and actual revenue generated per department. If actual revenue exceeds earlier estimates, an additional allocation will be sent to the departments. 

New in FY27, departments will be required to submit proposed spending plans in advance of receiving their annual Engineering Fee allocation. This replaces the former Spring request process and formalizes advance planning as part of the annual cycle. Engineering fee revenue should be used for undergraduate and graduate educational purposes, not research or faculty support. Common example uses include: 

• Teaching Assistant/Associate salaries 
• Teaching laboratory supplies or renovations 
• Expenses for student professional/affinity groups/events 
• Student travel support/sponsorship 

To streamline this process, the Dean’s Office has provided a standardized template to each department’s Director of Administration & Finance during the preceding Spring semester for completion and submission. Departments may also revise their current-year spending plans to reflect evolving needs and circumstances if needed. 

Upon receipt of both the revised current-year plan (if applicable) and the proposed plan for the upcoming fiscal year, the Assistant Dean will review submissions and meet with Directors of A&F as needed to confirm alignment, appropriateness, and feasibility of planned expenditures. 

Additionally, please note: 

• 25% of all Engineering Fees are retained at the Dean’s level. A portion of these funds are used to reimburse CNS for service courses (e.g., physics, chemistry) lab fees that are not charged to our students individually. This amount is typically $170k per year. 
• Future allocations may be utilized at the discretion of the Dean if funds are not effectively utilized at the department level.