By Rachel McBride
http://www.thedaonline.com/news/article_fc7d06b2-1a1c-11e5-8003-736f0f5ae467.html
The West Virginia University Board of Governors approved a nearly 10 percent tuition and fee increase for students at West Virginia University, West Virginia State University and Potomac State College of WVU on Monday, May 1.
Due to an increase of more than 5 percent in resident tuition, approval was required by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and was granted on Monday, June 22. The residents of West Virginia will receive an increase of $336 per semester, while non-resident students will be charged an additional $504 per semester.
According to Narvel Weese, vice president for Administration and Finance, the increase in tuition and fees will help provide funds to directly support student programs such as the outdoor orientation program for first year students, "Adventure West Virginia" and live-learn communities such as "Women in STEM." An additional $3 million will be invested in student aid.
"The majority (of the funds) will benefit needy students, but a portion will be reserved to provide an incentive payment of $750 for each student who completes his/her degree in four years," Weese said.
A "Dream First" campaign will be launched to raise $50 million for scholarships for both in and out- of-state students. Plans to increase the budget with $2.25 million for need-based aid are also planned to be implemented.
According to Becky Lofstead, vice president of communications, it is hoped that these plans will help decrease the financial burdens placed upon students and their parents.
"Our ultimate goal remains to hold down the debt students and parents incur for college, to improve the overall student experiences and to increase graduation rates," Lofstead said. "The success of our University depends on the success of our students; we cannot and will not sacrifice the quality of their education, So, this tuition increase is an investment in our University and our students’ future."
The 2016 budget is also planned to include funds for a pay increase from an approximate 3 percent salary pool for faculty and staff. Those increases are hoped to be implemented in October, Lofstead said.
According to WVU President E. Gordon Gee, the University’s tuition and fees increase is an investment and will contribute to future benefits of the University and its students.
"This increase represents an investment in our students’ success," President Gordon Gee said. "While a difficult decision to make, these funds will go a long way in upholding the quality of our academic offerings and the overall student experience that West Virginia University offers. Our ultimate goal is to provide one of the premier academic and personal development experiences in the country. Through the programs and initiatives we are developing, West Virginia University will continue to provide an outstanding education while improving retention and graduation rates. Every decision we make is with our students and their success in mind."
Although some students have expressed dissatisfaction concerning the tuition and fees increase, Weese is confident that once they become aware of the increase’s purpose, they will support the University’s decision.
"In most cases when (the students) learn how the money will be used, they agree with the investments that are being made such as investing in student support programs that have proven results, providing (increased) financial aid to our neediest students and increasing salaries to retain faculty and staff," Weese said.
Discussions concerning the 2016 budget began with the WVU BOG in October 2014 and ended in June 2015. During that time, the University outlined plans with regards to investments which are planned to improve student success. A funding plan for those investments includes the tuition increase for in-state and out-of-state residents.
http://www.thedaonline.com/news/article_fc7d06b2-1a1c-11e5-8003-736f0f5ae467.html
The West Virginia University Board of Governors approved a nearly 10 percent tuition and fee increase for students at West Virginia University, West Virginia State University and Potomac State College of WVU on Monday, May 1.
Due to an increase of more than 5 percent in resident tuition, approval was required by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and was granted on Monday, June 22. The residents of West Virginia will receive an increase of $336 per semester, while non-resident students will be charged an additional $504 per semester.
According to Narvel Weese, vice president for Administration and Finance, the increase in tuition and fees will help provide funds to directly support student programs such as the outdoor orientation program for first year students, "Adventure West Virginia" and live-learn communities such as "Women in STEM." An additional $3 million will be invested in student aid.
"The majority (of the funds) will benefit needy students, but a portion will be reserved to provide an incentive payment of $750 for each student who completes his/her degree in four years," Weese said.
A "Dream First" campaign will be launched to raise $50 million for scholarships for both in and out- of-state students. Plans to increase the budget with $2.25 million for need-based aid are also planned to be implemented.
According to Becky Lofstead, vice president of communications, it is hoped that these plans will help decrease the financial burdens placed upon students and their parents.
"Our ultimate goal remains to hold down the debt students and parents incur for college, to improve the overall student experiences and to increase graduation rates," Lofstead said. "The success of our University depends on the success of our students; we cannot and will not sacrifice the quality of their education, So, this tuition increase is an investment in our University and our students’ future."
The 2016 budget is also planned to include funds for a pay increase from an approximate 3 percent salary pool for faculty and staff. Those increases are hoped to be implemented in October, Lofstead said.
According to WVU President E. Gordon Gee, the University’s tuition and fees increase is an investment and will contribute to future benefits of the University and its students.
"This increase represents an investment in our students’ success," President Gordon Gee said. "While a difficult decision to make, these funds will go a long way in upholding the quality of our academic offerings and the overall student experience that West Virginia University offers. Our ultimate goal is to provide one of the premier academic and personal development experiences in the country. Through the programs and initiatives we are developing, West Virginia University will continue to provide an outstanding education while improving retention and graduation rates. Every decision we make is with our students and their success in mind."
Although some students have expressed dissatisfaction concerning the tuition and fees increase, Weese is confident that once they become aware of the increase’s purpose, they will support the University’s decision.
"In most cases when (the students) learn how the money will be used, they agree with the investments that are being made such as investing in student support programs that have proven results, providing (increased) financial aid to our neediest students and increasing salaries to retain faculty and staff," Weese said.
Discussions concerning the 2016 budget began with the WVU BOG in October 2014 and ended in June 2015. During that time, the University outlined plans with regards to investments which are planned to improve student success. A funding plan for those investments includes the tuition increase for in-state and out-of-state residents.
