By JEFF AMY
Associated Press

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) -- The state College Board has approved a request from Mississippi's two largest universities to impose a $50-a-semester fee on their students.
 
The board agreed Thursday with a recommendation from a committee that the proposal by the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University be approved.
 
Leaders of the schools say they need money for buildings.
 
In Ole Miss' case, that's a $50 million renovation and expansion of its student union.
 
MSU plans a combination classroom and parking garage at the price of $37 million.
 
Charges would not apply to University of Mississippi Medical Center students in Jackson or to Mississippi State online students. Ole Miss estimates its fee would generate $1.83 million annually, while MSU estimates it would collect $1.7 million.

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