ST. GEORGE?As Regents raised tuition Thursday, student leaders smiled.
The state Board of Regents tacked an additional 0.5 percent increase onto the previously agreed upon 3 percent first-tier increase, satisfying student leaders from across the state.
Student leaders liked the raise in tuition because, for them, the increase translates into a promise made good.
In January, the Regents discovered student leaders’ initiated legislative intent language that would have capped tuition increases at 8 percent. Regents disapproved of the tuition cap because it not only capped tuition, but it also limited the amount of funding that a college or university could create before legislators even approve the state budget.
Students pushed for a cap because they feared the problems created by the state’s tax revenue shortfall would fall on the shoulders of students in the form of huge tuition increases.
Student leaders agreed to drop the tuition cap legislation with the Regents’ promise that they would find a way to create more financial aid for students. And they did.
Student leaders met with Regents Monday and collectively agreed on a 0.5 percent tuition increase specifically outlined for financial aid.
“It was the best discussion we have had all year with the Regents,” said Ben Lowe, U student body president. “I’m happy to see that the Regents recognize the need for more aid.”
Student tuition increases climb every year, but the amount state financial aid has remained constant for many years, Lowe said.
U President Bernie Machen had already formulated a need based financial aid program into his budget?creating 1,000, $250 waivers to compensate for the 9.3 percent tuition and fee increase proposed for next year.
Machen plans to shift the Regents 0.5 percent tuition increase into his plan and put the remaining money into other programming.
The Regents’ increase will not affect the amount students will have to pay next year. Machen will lower his tuition proposal from 6.3 to 5.8 percent so the total increase will still rest at 9.3 percent or $284 a year for a student taking two semesters of 15 credit hours.
A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday where U officials will present students with the 9.3 percent increase and explain where that additional funding will go.