Sam Dunaway | News Editor

What is the Tuition Advisory Committee?

           The Tuition Advisory Committee is a committee composed of Western students, faculty and staff that want a voice in how tuition dollars are spent. Led by President Rex Fuller and interim Vice President for Finance and Administration Jay Kenton, the open meetings encourage an honest dialogue between students and administration on budget cuts, tuition increases and effectively spending student dollars.

How can students get involved?

Students are the basis of Western. If a student has ever felt like their thoughts and opinions are not being taken in account by the administration, this is the opportunity to voice concerns. Students can give opinions on whether they’d rather see tuition and fee increases or department budget cuts to make up for a shortage of funds. Are students willing to pay more tuition dollars if that means an increase in staff salaries? Additionally, should more money be put toward fee remissions or scholarships for low-income students? These are all important decisions that the administration needs to make, and students now have an opportunity to give their opinion on how student dollars are spent.

Will tuition increase next year?

Tuition is expected to increase no more than five percent next year. Money that goes to funding the university comes from tuition dollars and state funding. There is expected to be a shortage of $130 million, which could lead to a tuition increase. In future Tuition Advisory Committee meetings, the administration will prepare proposals for cuts ranging from one to five percent and students can give input on the proposals.

When is the next meeting?

           Feb. 16 at 11:30 a.m. in RWEC 104. The dialogue will continue between administration and students and more information on the university budget and potential tuition increases will be discussed.