FAQ

Q: How much is the University Student Union (USU) fee?

The USU fee is $504 per semester.

This FAQ was updated August 2025.

Q: How much did the USU fee increase for renovation and expansion of the existing facility and when will it go into effect?

Beginning Fall 2025, the USU fee will be $504 per semester. This total includes the previous $220 USU fee, a $255 approved increase that will go directly towards the renovation, expansion and future operations of the USU, and a $29 mandatory Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment to account for inflation (assessed on the spring 2025 fee of $220). The CPI is assessed every three years. The fee will remain $504 per semester until the next CPI review in 2028. This is a mandatory fee that is eligible to be covered by financial aid.

Starting fee collection in 2025 enabled construction to begin sooner and to have a shorter construction period. It also minimizes long-term semester fee increases for students while addressing critical infrastructure issues and the over $100 million in deferred maintenance.

The USU fee goes towards programming, services, daily operations, staffing and debt service of both the USU and the Student Recreation & Wellness Center (SRWC). Your USU fee is always working to support student spaces, services and programs. While the USU undergoes construction, the fee will continue to fund the SRWC and the essential USU student programs and services, which have been temporarily relocated to ensure you still have access to the resources you need.

Breakdown of the USU fee

Category	Total
Previous USU fee (spring 2025)	$220
Consumer Price Index (CPI) Adjustment (based on spring 2025 fee)	$29
Fee Increase (approved by SFAC)	$255
Current Per Semester Fee Total	$504

This FAQ was updated August 2025.

Q: Why did the fee increase starting fall 2025?

Implementing the fee in 2025, rather than waiting until 2028 when the building opens, will save students several millions in fees. Starting the fee earlier also helps keep the per-semester amount lower; if implemented later, the fee would have to be significantly higher per semester (nearly $700) to meet the project’s financial needs.

This decision was not taken lightly. It followed a year of extensive outreach to the campus community and, in April 2023, the fee was carefully considered and voted on by the Student Fee Advisory Committee (SFAC), which includes students, staff, faculty and administrators. The decision then received approval from the university president.

Throughout this process, students were at the center of every decision. By starting the fee earlier, we ensure the project remains financially sound and that we can deliver a state-of-the-art facility that meets the needs of future students. While some may not directly use the building, your contribution helps create a lasting legacy that will benefit the campus community for generations to come, and continues to support ongoing Associated Students Inc. (ASI) programming, services and resources.

This FAQ was updated August 2025.

Q: Will my financial aid cover it?

Yes, the USU fee is a mandatory student fee, and it factors into students’ total cost of education and impacts on estimated family contribution. Therefore, financial aid (including grants and loans) can be used to cover increases in these mandatory fees. Over 70% of students utilize financial aid at Long Beach State University (LBSU). Always defer to the financial aid office with any questions related to student fees and/or financial aid.

This FAQ was updated August 2025.

Q: Why is the USU being renovated, and why now?

For over a decade, LBSU students have needed more space, better facilities and greater accessibility in their union—and the truth is, the USU is struggling.

At over 50 years old, the building is deteriorating. Critical infrastructure is failing, outdated systems are breaking down and our maintenance team has been working around the clock just to keep things running. But patchwork fixes can only go so far. Pipes are leaking, air conditioning systems are unreliable and the electrical grid is outdated. Without major renovation, the USU would be unable to meet even the most basic needs of students.

The Future U project isn’t just about making upgrades—it’s about saving the USU from ongoing deterioration. The project is about creating a modern, fully functional space where students can eat, study and gather without fighting against a building that’s falling apart around them. The time for temporary fixes is over. It’s time to build the Future U.

This FAQ was updated August 2025.

Q: How will the renovated and expanded USU look?

We’re excited to share renderings of the renovated and expanded USU! Visit our homepage to explore a carousel of images showcasing the west, south and east entrances of the building. These designs are the result of months of collaboration between Student Government leaders, ASI, Design & Construction Services (DCS) and our design-build team, PENTA Gensler. As new renderings become available, we’ll continue to share them with the campus community. We can’t wait for you to see more!

This FAQ was updated August 2025.

Q: What will the renovation and expansion of the USU offer students and how big will it be?

The renovation and expansion of the USU will provide students with an enhanced experience and a variety of new facilities and services. The new USU will have a total of 189,300 gross square feet (GSF), including 128,300 GSF renovation of the existing building and 61,000 GSF of new construction. Altogether, the project will cover 237,200 GSF (approximately 5 acres) – which is the size of four and a half football fields combined.

This will include:

Expanded food service and seating
Increased student lounge and study space
Office of Belonging and Inclusion and Student Resource Centers
Centralized basic needs services and expanded Basic Needs Office
Expanded Laurén Chalmers ‘83 Beach Pantry and Beach Kitchen
Wellness Center which will include indoor and outdoor elements, including a wellness garden, educational rooms, calming rooms, crisis resource space, wellness programs and massage chairs
Career Development Center satellite office and drop-in services
Improved and expanded Games Center and Esports arena
Increased ballrooms that service both lecture style and round table seating
Increased meeting and conference spaces
Upgraded and modernized Beach Auditorium with an emphasis on ADA accessibility
Increased overall ADA access in and throughout the facility, including upgrades to the current elevators, two additional public elevators, one additional service elevator and 24/7 elevator access to upper campus.
Technological improvements throughout the building, including enhanced Wi-Fi, electrical outlets and smart meeting spaces
Infrastructure renovations and upgrades including HVAC and Mechanical, Engineering and Plumbing (MEP) systems

This FAQ was updated August 2025.

Q: When did the renovation start and how long will it take?

Construction began with phase 1 on April 14, 2025, starting with the Friendship Walk Stairs. This phase will focus on creating enhanced ADA-accessible pathways, which will remain in place both during construction and after the building reopens in 2028. Phase 1 is expected to be completed by October 2025.

Full building construction begins August 2025 and is expected to last approximately three years, with a grand re-opening tentatively scheduled for summer 2028. While the timeline is subject to change, we will provide updates as they become available.

For more detailed information, visit the project timeline page.

This FAQ was last updated on August 2025.

Q: Will students have access to the USU during construction?

No. The USU building is closed during construction. ASI is committed to reducing as much disruption as possible and will continue to offer dining, programs and services to students in alternate locations throughout campus. You can find information on the relocated services by visiting the Resource Relocation page and Food Relocation page.

This FAQ was updated August 2025.

Q: Why were so many trees removed during the Friendship Walk Stairs construction?

The Friendship Walk Stair Improvement project is an important ADA barrier removal measure to improve universal accessibility for all campus users. Although several aged trees were removed to make way for the new stairs and sloped walkways, they have been replaced with many more new trees, all California native species. The trees that were removed were 100% repurposed to meet university sustainability goals.

Additionally, the original trees that remain on the Friendship Walk Stairs were protected and carefully monitored by a certified arborist during construction. Precautions included health support measures like inoculations and protective fencing around tree roots. A biologist was also on site to monitor for bat roosting and bird nesting, ensuring environmental mitigation compliance.

Please note that the university has a tree replacement policy: for every one tree removed, two are planted on campus. The size of the new trees depends on the maturity of the trees that were replaced. This approach ensures that while some trees were removed, many more were restored and protected, contributing to a healthier, safer, and accessible campus environment.

This FAQ was updated August 2025.

Q: How will the Future U project help students?

The USU is the epicenter of campus resources and services. As of fall 2024, LBSU has the second-highest enrollment in the entire CSU system. And yet, the USU has not been significantly renovated or expanded since 1998! The needs of the student population have grown beyond the current union facility capacity. This is not the kind of students-first model that we strive to offer. The USU is an inclusive gathering space where all students can feel welcome, build community and find the resources they need to thrive. The Future U project will provide a better facility and increased program offerings to enhance this experience for all students.

This FAQ was updated August 2025.

Q: Why did ASI conduct an "Alternative Consultation" campaign instead of a Referendum?

We wanted to ensure that as many students as possible had the opportunity to provide feedback on the future of the USU. Traditionally, campus-wide referendums have low voter turnout, meaning only a small percentage of students participate in these critical decisions. Instead, we opted for Alternative Consultation, a process designed to engage more students and campus stakeholders through extensive outreach efforts.

Our goal was to connect 15,000 times with campus stakeholders, and we exceeded that—engaging with the campus community over 17,000 times through surveys, tabling, events, the University Dining Plaza (UDP) Concept Showcase, in addition to a comprehensive digital, social and online campaign. This approach allowed for deeper conversations, broader participation and a clearer understanding of what students want and need in a renovated and expanded USU.

The feedback was clear: over 70% of survey respondents (7,555 total respondents) saw moderate to high value in renovating and expanding the USU. Alternative Consultation was about truly listening, engaging and ensuring that the Future U reflects the needs of our students and campus community.

This FAQ was updated April 2025.

Q: What is "Alternative Consultation"?

Alternative consultation is an alternative to the referendum process to ensure appropriate and meaningful consultation from the campus community, particularly students, when adjusting a Category II mandatory fee, like the USU fee. Alternative consultation strategies are dependent on input from the student body association and the Student Fee Advisory Committee (SFAC) to ensure the process is transparent and meaningful.

The alternative consultation process is designed to 1) engage large portions of the student body; 2) educate students on the issues and components of the USU project; and 3) gather information that will shape the improvements to the USU.

For additional information, read Executive Order 1102 and the CSU Fee Policy on Referendums and Alternative Consultation Processes.

This FAQ was updated August 2024.

Q: How is the USU funded and what does the USU fee support?

The USU is funded through mandatory student fees (Category II fees) that every enrolled student contributes to maintain the existing building, provide programs and services, and pay off the mortgage/debt of the facility. Every CSU charges similar fees that support their ASI and their student facilities. The fee is also subject to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase and is adjusted every three years. CPI is attached to most fees to ensure expenses can be covered due to inflationary increases.

The USU fee at LBSU helps fund the maintenance, operation, and staffing of both the USU and the Student Recreation & Wellness Center (SRWC). This fee covers the cost of construction and operation of the USU and the SRWC. The USU is responsible for all the expenses of staffing, maintenance and operation of these facilities, as well as debt service, building improvements and repairs. Staffing costs, particularly student staff, represent a large portion of operating costs. The fee also funds programs, events, and services within the facilities. The last time the USU fee had a major increase was in 2010 when the SRWC was opened.

This FAQ was updated April 2025.

Q: How many student employees does the union have?

The USU and SRWC currently employ on average more than 350 students. This improved student union offers opportunities for additional student jobs.

This FAQ was updated August 2024.

Q: What other CSUs have expanded, rebuilt or renovated their student union/student center recently?

CSU Dominguez Hills, CSU San Marcos, CSU Bakersfield, CSU Fullerton, CSU San Bernardino, Cal Poly Pomona, Sacramento State, Stanislaus State and San Diego State.

This FAQ was updated August 2024.

Q: Who ensures the fees collected will be used for the outlined programs and services?

CSU Executive Order EO 1102 states the following about mandatory fees such as this fee (Category II):

“The campus president shall provide to the fee advisory committee a report of all fees in Categories II, III, IV and V. New fees, fee increases, total revenue and unexpended balances should be included.

Each campus shall report annually to the chancellor, for the most recently completed fiscal year, a complete inventory of all fees in categories II, III, IV and V, including current year fee rates, the total revenue collected in the past year for each fee, and the remaining balance for each fee. The Category II fee report shall be presented to the board by the chancellor to allow the board to consider the level and range of campus mandatory fees charged to students.”

Not only is our university mandated to report out on the use of this fee, as the organization led by students for students, ASI will ensure that the increased USU fee is going towards programs and services that were deemed of importance during the alternative consultation process.

This FAQ was updated August 2024.

Q: Why can't this money be applied toward academics?

Student body center fees can only be used for student-led organizations like the ASI. ASI only has legal authority over the facilities, programs and services we run and operate. Academic facilities must be funded by the State of California and the CSU.

This FAQ was updated August 2025

Q: Why must students fund this project instead of securing city or government assistance?

ASI and the facilities it owns and operates—the USU, the SRWC and the Isabel Patterson Child Development Center (IPCDC)—are entirely funded by student fees. While we actively seek donors and government grants whenever possible, such as the $3.5 million HUD grant awarded to IPCDC for major infrastructure improvements, our primary funding source remains student contributions. As a student-run, student-serving nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to student-focused services, ASI operates independently of city or state funding, ensuring that our facilities and programs continue to be tailored to the unique needs of Long Beach State students.

This FAQ was added April 2025.

Q: How can students continue to stay involved?

Elected student representatives guide the operations and direction of ASI-owned facilities through the USU and SRWC Board of Trustees (UREBOT). Please visit their public meetings, run to serve on the board or provide feedback directly to the student representatives. Information on participating in UREC or connecting with your student leaders, visit the Student Government website.

To stay up to date on the Future U Project, continue to visit our website, follow our social channels, and sign up for our newsletter.

This FAQ was added April 2025.