Georgia board approves greater oversight of college student fees

LEDE PHOTO - August 15, 2016 Atlanta: Georgia Tech freshman, Isabella Many-18 from New Jersey (left) opens the door for 2nd year student, Carter Floyd-19 (right) who came early to move in at the Eighth Street Apartments on campus on Monday, Aug. 15, 2016.

Credit: JOHN SPINK / AJC

Credit: JOHN SPINK / AJC

LEDE PHOTO - August 15, 2016 Atlanta: Georgia Tech freshman, Isabella Many-18 from New Jersey (left) opens the door for 2nd year student, Carter Floyd-19 (right) who came early to move in at the Eighth Street Apartments on campus on Monday, Aug. 15, 2016.

The Georgia Board of Regents voted Wednesday to give itself greater oversight of student housing and meal fees in hopes of reducing the cost for students.

All housing and food service fee changes must now be approved by the University System of Georgia. Previously, the school could institute such changes without USG approval.

The changes were made in response to concerns that students were paying more for such services. The fees weren't mandatory, but many schools were using them to fund campus building projects. A recent audit outlined the problem.

USG officials have been trying to get a better handle on fee increases in recent years.

During the state government’s 2012 fiscal year, USG officials said there were 67 fee increases. There have been 14 fee increases so far this fiscal year, USG officials said.