UNCP trustees revise tuition hike to 6.5 percent

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News

In a special meeting of the UNC Pembroke Board of Trustees on December 20,atuition increase of 6.5 percent was recommended for 2011-12.

The recommended increase will amount to $172 for all students, the trustees agreed unanimously.

On December 10, the trustees voted on a smaller tuition increase of $141 and a $138 increase in student fees. The tuition increase comes as UNC and UNC Pembroke plan for budget reductions of 10 percent or more next year.

“UNC President Erskine Bowles encouraged us to rethink our position,” Chancellor Kyle R. Carter said. “We were one of two UNC universities not asking for the full 6.5 percent tuition increase.

“Previously, President Bowles said he believed 10 percent would be the maximum budget reduction,” Dr. Carter told the trustees. “Last week, President Bowles said he believes 10 percent will be the minimum budget reduction next year.”

A 14-member campus committee, that included seven students, had recommended a $141 tuition increase and the hike in student fees. Student Government Association President and UNCP Trustee Arjay Quizon was part of that campus committee.

“We might as well go to the full 6.5 percent,” said Quizon before voting. “It’s a quality of education issue, and students deserve to get their money’s worth.”

Trustee Arlinda Locklear asked Chancellor Carter if there might be another increase this summer before the 2011-12 school year. Last summer, the board recommended a two-year/two-part, supplemental tuition hike.

“We should return to the normal process (for increasing tuition),” Chancellor Carter replied. “The supplemental increase was a first for us.”

Financial aid is adjusted upward for tuition increases, Chancellor Carter reminded the trustees.

The tuition and fee increases must be approved by the UNC Board of Governors, which set a 6.5 percent cap.

Revenue from the campus-based tuition increase will be divided between financial aid, student academic support and a smaller share for faculty development. The student support, which includes tutoring and academic counseling, would bolster the University’s efforts to increase retention and graduation rates.

A fee of $50 to a debt service fund will pay for construction of an addition to the student health building. Other fee increases would go to student health, student activities and technology.

Tuition and fees for an in-state undergraduate student will be $4,658 in 2011-12.

In the December 10 meeting, Vice Chancellor Neil Hawk said a 10 percent budget cut could cost the University 39 faculty and staff positions and increase average class size to 23 from 21.

On Monday, December 20, Chancellor Carter notified the University of a freeze in hiring state-funded positions on campus. The freeze applies to all non-critical positions - existing or new and including staff and faculty - that are state funded.