The IRA Fee
Everything you need to know about the new Instructionally Related Activities fee
SJSU is proposing a new $184.50 per semester Instructionally Related Activities (IRA) fee to fund multiple student support programs and initiatives. This includes BayPass - unlimited BART, Caltrain, bus, and ferry access across the Bay Area.
Your feedback shapes implementation. The university is using an alternative consultation process instead of a simple yes/no vote. This means you can attend open forums to share feedback and help determine how the fee is rolled out and implemented.
Want the full details? Check out the official SJSU proposal: Fee proposal, breakdown, and FAQs →
What Does the Fee Fund?
BayPass
Unlimited transit access across 23+ Bay Area agencies for commuting to campus and beyond.
Athletics & Intramurals
Support for varsity teams, club sports, and intramural programs.
Spartan Daily
Funding for SJSU's student-run newspaper and media operations.
Student Engagement and Support
Programming, events, and resources that bring students together.
Why BayPass Matters
Pays for Itself
As part of the proposed $184.50 per semester IRA fee, BayPass is positioned to be incredibly affordable. For most students, it will pay for itself in just 2-4 weeks of commuting. If you live farther away, it pays for itself even faster.
That means after just a few weeks, you're essentially riding for free for the rest of the semester.
Benefits Everyone
Transit commuters save thousands per semester. As more students use BayPass for transit, parking structures experience reduced demand, making it easier for those who still need to drive to find spots quickly. Local students gain access to job and internship opportunities throughout the Bay Area.
No matter how you get to campus, BayPass helps.
Brings Relief Now
BayPass could launch as early as next semester, giving immediate relief to students dealing with crowded parking structures and expensive transit costs.
Students have waited long enough. The time to act is now.
Per semester on commuting
without BayPass
Avoid Delays
Without the IRA fee, BayPass may be delayed to 2027. Students would spend upwards of $2,000 per semester on transit and parking costs - far more than the cost of the IRA fee.
Delays cost everyone. Let's get this done now.
Parking for Those Who Need It
With widespread BayPass adoption, fewer students will drive to campus. This reduces demand on parking structures, making it significantly easier for those who still need to drive to find available spots quickly.
Everyone wins: transit users save money, drivers find parking faster, and campus parking works more efficiently.
How the Consultation Process Works
Unlike a simple referendum vote (yes/no), the alternative consultation process is feedback-based. You attend open forums to discuss and share your opinions on the fee, which directly influences how it's implemented.
This is your chance to shape the proposed IRA fee! Open-ended responses and honest feedback are what matters most. Tell SJSU what you like and dislike about the proposal.
Learn more: Read the FAQ "What does the consultation process entail?" →
What You Need To Do
Attend the Open Forums (Most Important)
Attend the open forum happening in a hybrid format (in-person or Zoom) to share your feedback on BayPass and the IRA fee.
Tuesday, February 3rd, 4:30–5:30 PM
Open Forum - Virtual (Zoom) Q&A
Join a virtual Q&A to learn about the proposed IRA fee, ask questions of campus experts, and get directed to the online survey to share your feedback.
Add to Calendar → Get Zoom Link →Tuesday, February 10th, 12–1:30 PM
Open Forum - In-Person (Student Union Theatre)
Downstairs near Starbucks/bowling
Add to Calendar → Join the Zoom →In-person attendance is recommended, but either format works. Pick whichever fits your schedule.
Fill Out the IRA Survey (Second Most Important)
Look for an email from SJSU with a link to the survey, or visit one.sjsu.edu to fill it out. Everyone gets an email, so encourage your friends to respond too!
Your feedback directly influences how SJSU finalizes the IRA fee proposal.
Attend Focus Groups (If Applicable)
If you're part of any of these groups, attend the focus group session for additional feedback opportunities:
Feb 3, 2026
Housing - Theme Community Residents
10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.
Feb 4, 2026
Housing - RA Council, RHA, & Student Staff
2:00 p.m. to 2:50 p.m.
Feb 5, 2026
Student Employees
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Feb 6, 2026
Housing Residents
2:00 p.m. to 2:50 p.m.
Feb 9, 2026
Athletes
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Feb 10, 2026
Associated Student Affiliates
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Feb 16, 2026
Clubs and Orgs, Greek Life
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Feb 17, 2026
Cultural Centers, EOP, Guardian Scholars
12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Feb 19, 2026
SUI Board of Directors
1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
All focus groups happen within the first 3 weeks of February.
Find focus group dates & times(Scroll down to "Focus Groups" on the page)
We're 95% of the way there to winning BayPass. The finish line is in sight. Come to the open forums, fill out the survey, and help us make affordable transit a reality for all Spartans.
How to Give Feedback
Tips for sharing honest feedback about the IRA fee and BayPass at the forums. Read the feedback tips →
Spread the Word
Help us reach more students about the IRA fee and the open forums. Share with your friends, classmates, and group chats.
- Post on Instagram, TikTok, or Bluesky
- Tell your friends about the forums
- Encourage others to fill out the survey
Let's Get BayPassed
Your feedback matters. Come to the open forums, fill out the survey, and tell SJSU what you think about the IRA fee and BayPass. Together, we can make affordable and equitable transit a reality for all Spartans.
Learn More About BayPass →