<p>My frustration is more a matter of principal, than money. Our local state uni. went through a consolidation this year and the process has been messy and expensive. We already experienced a 66% year over year fee increase from 2012-2013 to 2013-2014. The fee model is flat, not based on the number of credits a student is registered for so it hits part-time students, including most dual-enrollment students, hard. In previous years the "transportation fee" has always included issuance of a student parking permit. We received no notice that additional fees beyond those our fall invoice would be due. </p>
<p>This year, when my student went to pick up her permit in August, she was told that permits with the uni.'s new name weren't in yet and that they were allowing students to use last year's permit until later in the semester when the knew car tags came in. When my student finally was able to pick up her new permit she was informed that a permit fee would be billed to her fall account and a second fee would be added to her spring account. The fee for each parking tag (fall and spring) is $35, resulting in an additional $70 of fees.</p>
<p>Shouldn't a university have to bill for and disclose all fees on the initial semester invoice? I called to express concern and was told that a decision on the fees was made in early Oct. some six weeks into the semester. I'm wondering if I shouldn't complain to our state board of regents.</p>