<p>So, the bill came this week. UGH! One item was $100 for house dues. Do all dorms charge this? What is that money used for? (I ask because if it's for activities, it's unlikely my D would be able to take much, if any, advantage of them because she's a three-season athlete.)</p>
<p>Secondly, if you don't want to have cable access on your computer, can you opt out of that communication fee?</p>
<p>The fee for house dues is for everyone - it helps cover dorm programming and as far as I know it is mandatory. Don’t quote me, but I think the communication fee covers internet access. I’m not sure what you mean by “cable access.”</p>
<p>[New</a> Telecommunications Fee (Information & News)](<a href=“http://rescomp.stanford.edu/info/2005/08/new_telecommunications_fee_1.html]New”>http://rescomp.stanford.edu/info/2005/08/new_telecommunications_fee_1.html)</p>
<p>Yes all dorms charge some sort of dues… See [Stanford</a> University - Student Housing - Undergraduate Rates Chart 2010-11](<a href=“http://www.stanford.edu/dept/rde/shs/ugrad/ugrad_rates_10.htm]Stanford”>http://www.stanford.edu/dept/rde/shs/ugrad/ugrad_rates_10.htm)</p>
<p>The money is used for “dorm funds.” This is basically the collective sum of everyone’s dues, and it goes to activities or items for the dorm. Some dorms use them to take trips or buy new stuff for the dorm (eg drying racks, new lounge ping pong table or tv, gifts for dorm staff/RAs/RFs at the end of the year, etc). Leftover money can also be used for dorm reunion parties in later years. I’m sure your daughter would get some use out of this money, but even if she doesn’t, it’s still (imo) nice to pay the $300/year and be a team player/contribute to your community and the financial health of your dorm. Plus, I don’t think you can opt out (but I’m not 100% sure). I think paying the dues is part of your housing contract.</p>
<p>As for question two, see this:
[Senate</a> supports hike in student comm fee | Stanford Daily](<a href=“http://www.stanforddaily.com/2010/03/31/senate-supports-hike-in-student-comm-fee/]Senate”>Senate supports hike in student comm fee)
Your daughter will use Stanford’s internet/wireless access, correct? That’s part of what the fee covers so it seems necessary for all students to pay that.</p>