Technology Access Fee Guidelines

The TAF should be used by TBR institutions for direct student benefit, for items such as new and improved high technology laboratories and classrooms, appropriate network and software, computer and other equipment, and technological improvements that enhance instruction.

• Computers and other technical laboratory supplies, equipment, software and maintenance.
• Network costs (WWW, internet, interactive video, etc.)
• "Smart” or multi-media classroom equipment and classroom modifications
• Lab and course staffing – student and staff assistance for lab and classroom uses; universities are limited to a 12% maximum (Pool 2 current-year TAF revenues) and student employees only; community colleges are limited to 25% maximum (Pool 2 current-year TAF revenues) for student or staff employees.
• Renewal and replacement reserves as necessary.
• New machines for faculty use when faculty are actively engaged in developing and conducting on-line courses.
• Faculty and staff development directly related to the introduction or application of new technology which impacts students. These guidelines should have the flexibility to place instructional technology in a faculty lab where course materials are being prepared.  For example, TAF funds can be used to create faculty labs to include the purchase of computers and to conduct faculty training and course development.  (Travel costs for faculty and staff are excluded; however, consultants may be hired as needed for training.)
• Infrastructure (wiring, network, servers, etc.) necessary to provide students maximum computing capability.  A ceiling is established of 50% of the total project costs from which technology access fees can be used.
• Expand technology resources in library, i.e., video piped anywhere on campus, interactive video room for distance education, network for web video courses.

Effective July 1, 2005, institutions may use Technology Access Fee (TAF) revenues for the purpose of supporting the financing of the implementation of the Banner Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) project including susequent software and hardware upgrades.  Use of TAF funds for this purpose is limited to a maximum of 25% of the annual revenue collected at universities, community colleges and technology centers.  Use of TAF fees for the ERP project must be disclosed and justified in the annual spending plan which requires approval by the Board.  The provision for use of TAF fees for this special purpose is limited to a maximum of five (5) fiscal years. 

Compliance with these guidelines will be audited by the internal audit staff and reported to the Board as determined by the internal auditor's annual risk-based planning process or other appropriate means.