The cost of school next year will be presented tovv students today at this year’s Truth in Tuition meeting at 2:30 p.m. in the Gould Auditorium.
Although the state Legislature has not yet made final decisions regarding funding for higher education, U administrators will do their best to explain anticipated raises in tuition and student fees.
“It’s important for students to understand why tuition can’t be held the same year after year [and] why we have to increase tuition,” said Dave Pershing, senior vice president of academic affairs.
The administrators will explain the meaning of first- and second-tier tuition, one being set by the state and the other by the U.
According to Paul Brinkman, vice president of budget and planning, administrators will explain the needs of the U, what was asked for from the legislature and what the U can anticipate. The issues regarding tuition and student fees will also be put into context with similar institutions in the nation and region, he said.
Funding issues that the Legislature has been debating for all schools in the system of higher education include unfunded enrollment growth, fuel and power needs, operating and maintenance costs and student aid.
As tuition and student fees increase, the U also plans to increase student aid to help students from being priced out of school, Pershing said.
But the Legislature is not yet sure how much money it will allocate for that.
The presentation is open to all students, and although there will be a formal presentation, the administration hopes to hear the questions and concerns students have, Brinkman said.
“Whatever students want to talk about [will be discussed],” he said. “We have to take the lead in laying things out.”
The Gould Auditorium is on the first floor of Marriott Library.
The meeting is scheduled to run until 4 p.m.