Key Takeaways:
- Arizona State University (ASU) will introduce an Advanced Technology fee for students starting in the fall 2026 semester.
- The fee will be $50 for students enrolled in fewer than seven hours and $100 for those enrolled in more than seven hours.
- The fee will provide students with access to artificial intelligence (AI) tools, digital experiences, and intelligent systems across campus.
- The goal of the fee is to enhance instruction, academic support, and prepare students with industry-relevant skills.
- Some students are questioning the need for the fee, citing concerns about the potential for academic integrity violations and the fact that not all majors may require the use of AI tools.
Introduction to the Advanced Technology Fee
The fall 2026 semester will mark the introduction of an Advanced Technology fee for students at Arizona State University (ASU). According to the ASU Academic Catalog, students enrolled in fewer than seven hours will pay an additional $50, while those enrolled in more than seven hours will pay an additional $100. The fee will be applied to all enrolled students, providing them with access to AI tools, digital experiences, and intelligent systems across campus. An ASU spokesperson explained that the fee will enhance instruction and academic support, and help prepare students with industry-relevant skills.
The Benefits of the Advanced Technology Fee
Kasim Selcuk Candan, a professor at the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, believes that the addition of the new technologies will provide students with access to educational resources that can adapt to individual learning styles. He noted that the fee aims to reduce the "digital divide" by enabling students to access the same tools as their peers, regardless of their financial situation. David McElhoes, an instructor at the School for Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies, added that the fee can help students reduce the "cost burden" of using AI tools, which can be expensive when purchased individually. He pointed out that the Advanced Technology Fee can be cheaper than monthly subscription options for AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude.ai.
Concerns About the Fee
Despite the potential benefits of the Advanced Technology fee, some students are questioning why they are required to pay another fee, especially for a technology that professors may prohibit for coursework. Bethelehem Tejeji, a sophomore studying computer science, expressed confusion about why the University would add this charge, given that not all majors may require the use of AI tools. She noted that she has been told by her professors not to use AI in the classroom, which has left her wondering why the University would introduce a fee for a technology that may not be allowed in certain courses.
Preparing Students for the Future
Punya Mishra, the director of the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation, believes that the University’s responsibility is to prepare students for what the future will look like, and that AI will certainly be a part of that future. He noted that ASU has taken a proactive approach to implementing AI in classrooms across various disciplines, including art, philosophy, education, and engineering. However, he emphasized the importance of careful implementation, ensuring that the technology is used in a way that enhances learning and does not create unnecessary risks.
Implementation and Future Plans
As the University moves forward with the implementation of the Advanced Technology fee, it is likely that there will be ongoing discussions about the best ways to use AI in the classroom. Mishra noted that it is essential to take a critical lens to the technology, ensuring that it is used in a way that benefits students and does not create unnecessary risks. The University will need to balance the potential benefits of the technology with the concerns of students and faculty, working to create a system that is fair, equitable, and effective. By doing so, ASU can ensure that its students are well-prepared for the future, with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in an increasingly complex and technology-driven world.
