Ancillary Fee FAQs & Descriptions

Nipissing University remains committed to supporting all students as we return to campus operations for the 2024-2025 Academic Year.

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Nipissing University moved to an essential services model. While it may have seemed that campus was shut down through the pandemic, ancillary fees continued to support some of Nipissing’s most essential services as they moved to online/virtual delivery. On top of this, Nipissing University is continuing to ensure that students have access to enhanced levels of personal support while they cope with the transition back to pre-Covid style of learning and living.

Service Continuation & Enhancement

All services funded by essential ancillary fees continue to be available for student use. For students who have particularly acute academic, well-being, workplace or other needs, the continued availability of these services can be critical to success at Nipissing, and after graduation.

Athletics Complex

This fee is levied in support of the general upkeep and maintenance of the Robert J Surtees Student Athletics Centre and the fitness facilities and equipment within the Centre.

NUSU Student Centre Fee

This fee is collected in agreement with the Nipissing University Board of Governors for building maintenance, property maintenance, and operations. The NUSU Student Centre is located at 221 College Drive, North Bay. Visit nusu.com for more information.

Athletics Fee

This fee gives Nipissing students access to the fitness facilities and equipment, recreational and intramural programs, covers the costs of student front desk staff and group fitness instructors.  Whether you want to take a fitness class – spin, Zumba, kickboxing, or yoga – use the cardio room, play squash, or pump some iron in the weight room, the Robert J. Surtees (RJS) Student Athletic Centre is the place to be.

The RJS is home to 14 Lakers teams competing in seven varsity sports in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA), and is also the home of Nipissing University Club Sports, which currently consists of a handful of sports, but continues to grow.  The Athletics Fee is also levied in support of Nipissing’s Varsity Athletics, and helps support expenses such as staff salaries, scholarships, uniforms and equipment, marketing of games, travel for our student athletes to attend away games, community outreach programs, etc.

Health Services

This fee is used to offset the cost of operating the shared health centre on the North Bay campus.

*Nipissing University’s Campus Health Centre is still operational for essential appointments only. They are only reachable by phone at 705-474-7600 x5261. If you wish to book an appointment or speak with a staff member please call.

Student Intervention Support

The Student Intervention Specialist (SIS) provides case management support to students with complex concerns – primarily mental health or minor conduct issues. This support is offered to students who may be experiencing difficulty accessing the appropriate services, require a referral to services, require further collaboration within their current support services, or need assistance transitioning to or from the University (e.g. returning after being admitted to the hospital, registering again after withdrawing for mental health reasons, etc.). The relationship between the SIS and the student is collaborative, goal-oriented, supportive, and voluntary.

The SIS is a resource for faculty and staff through education awareness and training on how to recognize, respond, and refer students in distress, and provides an important conduit between the University and the community.

Counselling Support and Outreach

Student Counselling Services supports students in achieving positive mental and emotional wellness. This fee enables the operation of Drop-in therapy, peer support, brief individual therapy, group therapy, counsellor assisted e-support, self help, referral support, and a variety of outreach and educational programing.  Specialized supports with an Indigenous and BIPOC lens are also available. These supports allow us to work with each student to develop a personalized plan for their pathway to well being.

NUSU Membership Fee

This fee funds a variety of student related services, events, and committees on campus. It also funds the operation of the Student Union in order to represent the student body which includes, but is not limited to: advocating on student’s behalf; amplifying the student voice on different levels throughout the university; and, increasing opportunities for student and staff positions to provide services to students. This fee is collected as union dues. For more information, please contact president@nusu.com.

NUSU Orientation and Transition Support

This fee funds projects and resources for any student attending an orientation throughout the year (first-year, mature, transfer, international, graduate, or education) to ease the transition to post-secondary life. The fee sponsors events, activities, and supports geared toward welcoming students to the Lakers community. For more information, please contact vpstudent@nusu.com.

Student ID Card

Students are required to have a valid Student ID card.  The ID card is the identification piece used for Nipissing students.  The ID card is used to gain access to the different services the university provides, such as, but not limited to, printing and library resources, writing tests/exams, and access open computer labs. The ID Card will be used to gain entry to the Robert J Surtees Centre. An invitation to submit a photo will be sent to the student’s Nipissing email account, following which the student card will be printed and available for pick-up at UTS.

Student Learning and Transition Support

The Student Learning and Transitions department enhances the student experience through learning and development opportunities that support students’ academic and personal success. Students benefit from academic support in the areas of statistics, writing skills, time management, study strategies, peer tutoring and peer mentorship. These services are intended to address the development of specific skills and have been proven to reduce learning anxiety and increase confidence among students. Services are provided through in-person and online consultations, workshops, peer-to-peer education and asynchronous online resources. SLT provides a personalized, student-focused learning experience with an awareness of diverse needs and backgrounds. For more information, please email slt@nipissingu.ca.

The NU Promise is a multi-year program designed to enrich your experience at Nipissing University.  With the aid of a Student Success Coordinator, you will be provided with the opportunity to explore your own self-development through academics, campus and community engagement and career preparedness opportunities. For more information, please email nupromise@nipissingu.ca.

Career Resources and Services

For students needing assistance in gaining employment, Nipissing provides assistance formatting resumes and cover letters, information on new jobs in North Bay, and information for skills development. For more information regarding the services available, please visit Career Development and Education.

NUSU Society Fee

This fee is used to fund program-specific student groups. All fees are broken down based on the major that a student is currently working toward and the fees are then distributed to current societies/associations/communities. A "society" must work toward bettering an entire program and cannot focus on certain groups within a program. For example, honours societies and societies built around a program stream will not be eligible. For a list of current societies and their contact information, please visit the NUSU website (nusu.com). For more information please contact vpstudent@nusu.com

Record of Student Development

The Record of Student Development (RSD) is Nipissing University’s way of recognizing that learning happens everywhere on campus.  It is a formal record otherwise known as a co-curricular transcript, where students can include workshops, volunteer experiences, awards, on-campus employment and activities they have participated in throughout their time at Nipissing University. For more information please visit Record of Student Development or email rsd@nipissingu.ca.

Sexual Violence Education and Outreach

Nipissing University is committed to creating and maintaining a safe environment for all students through University-wide initiatives and administration focusing on sexual violence education and outreach.  Support for survivors and allies is available through SDS.  This fee gives student survivors access to services that can help them connect with resources, explain support options, assist with academic and/or living accommodations, and safety planning.  Distance students are also eligible to reach out to the Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Coordinator for support in their home community or placement community.

Additionally, awareness activities are promoted through “Consent Belongs Here” – Nipissing University’s Student Development and Services campaign to end sexual violence through education, prevention and outreach.  Throughout the year, Consent Belongs Here will be organizing events and initiatives on campus focused on sexual violence prevention and education that are open to all Nipissing students.  This ancillary fee also helps bring events such as public speakers, theatre performances, and free workshops on consent, healthy relationships, and bystander intervention to Nipissing University.

NUSU – Canadian Federation of Students

This fee goes to the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) as a membership fee.Each student pays this fee in order to be a part of NUSU's membership in CFS. This group is Canada's largest post-secondary student organization. They advocate nationally and provincially on issues that impact students, including but not limited to: funding for post-secondary institutions and students; tuition fees; student debt; fairness for international students; consent and anti-sexual violence initiatives; and, student mental health services. They also provide support to and representation for groups and communities that experience discrimination and exclusion. For more information, please visit https://cfs-fcee.ca/.

NUSU Central Administrative Support

This fee provides the infrastructure, supplies, and staff required to run NUSU’s day-to-day operations and support students. Operations include but are not limited to: bookkeeping; correspondence; organization; yearly audit coordination; and, general
office planning. For more information, please contact vpfinance@nusu.com.

NUSU World University Service of Canada

The World University Services of Canada fee is dedicated to sponsoring refugee students to pursue an undergraduate degree at Nipissing University for an academic year.  This fee is responsible for covering the tuition cost for sponsored students.

NUSU Government Advocacy Fee

This fee is used to ensure student voices are heard at the municipal, provincial and federal levels. This includes, but is not limited to working with local representatives of federal parliament, provincial legislature and municipal council to ensure the well-being of Nipissing University students is represented within program development, funding, and policies. For more information, please contact president@nusu.com.

NUSU Awareness Campaigns & Initiatives

This fee is used to increase awareness about student needs, issues, and supports that are available to Nipissing University students online, on campus and within the community. Initiatives and awareness campaigns aim to educate students on the issues impacting them and the society they live in. Students may contact vpadvocacy@nusu.com with ideas, concerns, or thoughts.

NUSU Programming and Services

This fee funds a variety of student-related services and events on and off campus, as well as online. Fees collected will go towards running major events, as well as small student activities open to all Nipissing University students. To stay up to date on initiatives, programs and events, follow NUSU on social media (@nusutalks) or visit https://nusu.com.

Student Initiatives Fund

Student projects help build a vibrant student life on campus but often cost more than an individual student can afford. Nipissing University is committed to supporting student initiatives to bring academic, cultural, and recreational projects to life.

The funds created by this fee are used to provide funding for student groups and activities through the Student Initiatives Fund (SIF) and for special projects/programs through various units in Student Development and Services and the Nipissing University Student Union.

The committee helps individuals and student groups achieve success by funding their amazing student led initiatives.  So, if you are an undergraduate, graduate, or continuing education student with a great idea, please submit a SIF application - available on the Student Development and Services website.

https://www.nipissingu.ca/departments/student-development-and-services/student-initiatives-fund

World University Service of Canada (WUSC)

WUSC is a leading Canadian non-profit organization in international development, committed to building a sustainable world.  Together, with post-secondary institutions across Canada, private-sector partners and volunteers they provide education, employment and empowerment opportunities to millions of disadvantaged youth around the world.

Through the Student Refugee Program within WUSC, Nipissing University is able to help a refugee student achieve their dreams of obtaining a post-secondary education here at Nipissing University.  This fee provides sponsorship to assist with living costs while attending Nipissing (residence/housing, food, books, etc.) For more information visit www.wusc.ca.

Student Development Fund

The purpose of the Student Development Fund is to assist start-up projects or initiatives, which contribute to the objective of student development at Nipissing University. This program provides funds for special projects and initiatives that enrich the University community. Nipissing University is committed to the professional, personal and social success of its students, student groups and clubs. Projects that are dedicated to the principles of personal and community development, health and wellness and, in particular, provide extra and co-curricular educational opportunities for students to build leadership, citizenship, intercultural awareness and/or community-building skills are encouraged.

Student Development Fund Policy

Equity Centre

The Equity Centre promotes equity, diversity and inclusion on campus through the creation of safer spaces (all gender washrooms, formal training, facilitated educational discussions, events, office hours, etc.). 

eSports

To support the development of an eSports gaming initiative at Nipissing.  Providing students access to the most popular games and gaming systems and create a new opportunity to enhance the student experience on campus. Providing the opportunity for participation in the OPSE league, as well as guest speakers to use the games while discussing topics such as team management, marketing, tournament play, and online platforms.

NUSU Clubs and Groups Support

This fee funds student clubs and services that foster and promote student life on campus. All fees collected are equally accessible to student-run clubs contributing to Nipissing University student life. Club funds are used to run events, activities, campaigns, and initiatives. Unlike societies, clubs cannot be exclusive in nature and can be created by any student on campus. Funding is not available for any political or faith-based groups.

For more information on what clubs NUSU offers, as well as how to start your own club, please go to the NUSU website (nusu.com). For more information, please contact vpstudent@nusu.com.

NUSU Campus Recreational Activities

This fee provides recreational activities for any student attending Nipissing University. This may include outdoor activities (skiing, skating, snowshoeing) and online events (Zumba, trivia, scavenger hunt). This fee also includes food, staff and insurance for any recreational event hosted by NUSU. For more information, contact vpstudent@nusu.com.

NUSU Campus Safety Initiatives

This fee is to promote awareness of and advocate for the general safety and well-being of students on and off campus. This fee provides a variety of safety measures including, but not limited to, our safe ride home program. The fee also supports students facing food insecurity and provides monetary support to the NUSU Student Food Bank. For more information, please contact info@nusu.com.

NUSU Academic Peer Support

NUSU exists first and foremost, to advocate for the rights of all Nipissing University students. We provide peer support in cases of grade appeals, academic petitions, course concerns, and other relevant areas of academic and campus life. NUSU provides support in terms of general advocacy, coordination and advising. Students that are in need of Academic Peer Support should reach out to vpadvocacy@nusu.com.

Student Transit Passes (North Bay only)

Student transit passes – If an institution has a compulsory ancillary fee to support student transit passes that was established prior to January 17, 2019, compulsory ancillary fees may be charged for the duration of the agreement and any subsequent renewals of these agreements. Renewals are understood to be subsequent contracts between the same parties creating uninterrupted service to students.

A North Bay Transit Pass is included for all full-time Nipissing students on the North Bay Campus. The bus pass was initiated as a result of a student referendum. Bus passes will be effective from September 1 to April 30. The bus pass will be incorporated into the student ID card.

Students who are not registered in a fulltime program can request a bus pass on Webadvisor under the Registration section. Please visit Student Card and Bus Pass Requests for instructions on requesting a bus pass.

Student Health Insurance and Dental Plan

Health and dental plans are charged on a compulsory basis, but institutions must allow students to opt-out if they provide proof of pre-existing coverage.

The Nipissing University Student Union Health and Dental Plan covers all students attending Nipissing University. WeSpeakStudent, the insurers, have worked with NUSU in order to tailor a plan that meets and exceeds the needs of all students. For more information, students can visit https://wespeakstudent.com/, call 1-800-315-1108 with questions, or email health@nusu.com.

1. On the “WebAdvisor for Students” menu, click the “Non-Essential Ancillary Fees Opt-Out” link.
2. When prompted, select an available term, and click submit. Choose which non-essential ancillary fees for the specific session you wish to opt-out of by clicking the corresponding checkboxes in the “Opt out of this Non-Essential Fee?” column. Click the submit button once completed.
3. You may start the process again to opt-out of additional fees, or to opt back into fees, if permitted by the opt-in/opt-out dates.

Please NOTE:  All WebAdvisor opt-outs must be completed by no later than September 16th, 2024 for the Fall semester, and by January 17th, 2025 for the Winter semester.

Nipissing University introduced its first Protocol Agreement and Guidelines for Compulsory Ancillary Fees in 1994. It was signed by the Nipissing University Student Union and approved by the Board of Governors. This document translates the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities guidelines into the Nipissing University context and outlines the process for fee increases or the introduction of new ancillary fees.

The Protocol Agreement Statement and Guidelines for Compulsory Ancillary Fees describes categories of permitted ancillary fees, including fees for student services provided by the University, services provided by the Nipissing University Student Union (NUSU), fees for specific and limited projects (normally capital projects), and system wide fees (e.g., fees established through a formal agreement for all Ontario universities such as the University Health Insurance Plan).

Cost-recovery fees are set at a level to recover the expense incurred by the University in the procurement of the good or service that is being transferred to the student. The University is not permitted to make any profit on these fees. 

Like cost-recovery fees, administrative user fees (service fees) relate to the costs of the services provided, and are set at a level that is based on a reasonable estimate of the administrative costs associated with the service provision. The only administrative user fees and fines that may be charged are those shown on the University’s Service Fees. The fees and fines shown on the list may be adjusted annually by administrative authority, provided that the adjustments relate to the cost of the services provided. The introduction or removal of a fee from the service fee listing must be submitted to the Compulsory Ancillary Fees Committee for review and approval.

Compulsory Ancillary Fees are essential to the functioning of both the University and the Student Union. Without these fees neither would be able to provide the extra-curricular programming that is offered. Ancillary fees are fees charged to pay for administrative services, materials and activities not supported by operating grants, capital grants or tuition fees.

Tuition is charged to students according to the principles outlined in the General By-Laws of the Board of Governors of Nipissing University. Ancillary fees are levied to cover the costs of items not normally paid for out of operating or capital revenue (operating and capital grants and tuition fees).These fees vary across programs, courses, year of study and are often based on student choices.

Ancillary fees are charged in three ways and refunds are dependent on how the fee is charged.

Compulsory ancillary fees relate to a course or academic program and are charged automatically to all students registered in that course or program. These fees are not refundable.

Some specific ancillary fees (for building access fobs for example) are listed as fully refundable deposits. These fees can be refunded once the relevant academic term or program has ended during a refund period. These refunds are processed through the Facilities Office. 

The majority of the Service Fees are optional fees and are only charged to a student if they utilize the service or incur a fine (such as in the case of late returns to the library). These fees are not charged automatically. Some cost recovery fees are also optional and are only charged to a student where they opt for services, materials or activities.

Compulsory fees are charged automatically through your registration. Please check your account on Webadvisor if you are not certain which fees you have been assessed. You can also look at the Fees and Payments area on the Nipissing University website prior to selecting your courses to see what kind of program and course-related ancillary fees you will be charged. Non-compulsory fees are charged to you as you access a service, pay a fine or purchase a good.

Tuition is assessed at differentiated rates between:

1. first and continuing year of study,
2. programs of study, and
3. international students. The Nipissing University Board of Governors approve the establishment and collection of fees and charges for academic tuition and services.

Ancillary Fees are assessed on a per credit and sessional basis. Most ancillary fees are mandatory. The fees administered by the University are governed by an Ancillary Fee Protocol established by the University and NUSU.

Program Specific Fees may be charged because of the program you are enrolled in.

Course Specific Fees may be charged by the University for the reasonable cost of such things as field trips, or learning material.

Service or Administrative Fees are fees for service and may be incurred as a result of a request or action.

Residence Fees vary depending on the residence assigned and type of room.​