- Why does Barrett have a fee?
Barrett Honors College has a fee that helps pay for honors-specific programming, events, travel, and services that benefit honors students at ASU. The fee also helps the college cover the cost of expanding student services and programming to better serve a growing student population.
- How long has Barrett had a fee?
Barrett initially implemented a fee in 2005.
- How often does the fee change?
Since 2005, the Barrett fee has been increased three times, in 2010, 2015 and 2019.
In 2005, the fee was $250 per semester.
In 2010, the fee increased to $500 per semester.
In 2015, the fee increased to $750 per semester.
In 2019, the fee increased to $1,000 per semester.
It is important to note that 17% of all student fees Barrett collects go to Arizona State University to be used for student financial aid with the remaining funding retained by Barrett to support the College.
- How is the fee used towards my honors education?
The fee is used to support students’ honors education in many ways, including providing funding for:
- Direct student support – Funds for student research work; scholarships and financial aid; thesis and project funding.
- Summer Study Abroad – Unique, for-credit travel programs led by Honors Faculty Fellows.
- Global Intensive Experiences – Honors-only study abroad programs led by Honors Faculty Fellows. GIEs are shorter than Barrett Summer Study Abroad programs and offered throughout each semester in order to provide a diverse selection of travel opportunities for students whose schedules or finances do not permit them to travel for longer periods during the summer.
- Faculty and staff salaries – Honors Faculty at Barrett.
- Faculty Honors Advisors in each major.
- Curriculum Development for honors courses in students’ major departments.
- What are the other ways the fee is used to directly benefit students?
- Classroom/student space renovations and upgrades, including projection screens and new furniture.
- Bike racks at Barrett Tempe and Barrett at Vista del Sol.
- Event programming, including signature events such as Dinner Down the Orchard, the Red Carpet Event, the Barrett Ball, the Celebrating Honors Symposium, and Camp B.
- Funding students can use to bring in an expert as a thesis third committee member.
- What is the Barrett fee committee and can I participate in it?
The Barrett fee committee is a student advisory board that offers input on how the fee is allocated to help enhance the student experience. Yes, you need to contact the Barrett Honors College Council (BHCC) and ask to be put on it.
- What if I am not able to pay the fee because of financial concerns?
Students unable to pay the fee may apply for a Barrett Community Scholarship to cover the fee. Students whose need extends beyond the cost of the fee may apply for a Community Scholarship to offset the cost of housing and meals. Information about the Barrett Community Scholarship is available from the Barrett Dean’s Office. For more information, contact Assistant Dean of Students Rendell at Dawn.Rendell@asu.edu.
- How do I access my thesis/project funding that is supported by the fee?
There are several funds available to support student thesis and creative project activities, including:
- Thesis Funding– Students may receive up to $1,000 to complete their thesis. This funding may cover items such as travel, books, copying, equipment and other materials as needed throughout the project.
- Honors Project Fund – Students may receive up to $1,000 to carry out special projects. This funding may be used to cover expenses related to special projects, such as presenting a paper at a conference or attending a symposium related to your major. Funds may be used for airfare, hotel, conference registration and project supplies.
- External Examiner Program– Barrett students and their thesis directors can apply for up to $1500 to apply to the cost of bringing in an outside examiner or expert from another institution to serve as the thesis third committee member.
Students must complete an application and submit supporting information in order to be eligible for thesis and project funding. More information about these funding sources, how to apply and forms are at https://barretthonors.asu.edu/academics/thesis-and-creative-project/funding
- We see that private donors have given to the College. Why does this not lower the amount of funding needed by the Barrett fee?
Private donors usually specify where they want their funds to go, such as to named scholarships or funds for particular purposes. Several scholarships designated just for incoming and current honors students are provided by private donors. A list of these scholarships and information on how to apply is at https://barretthonors.asu.edu/academics/scholarships-and-fellowships/barrett-scholarships
- Do Barrett students at all four campuses get access to resources supported by the fee?
Yes, each student has equal opportunity to utilize the programs associated with the Barrett fee.
