Probable U. Illinois tuition hike increases communication

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (U-WIRE) — The University of Illinois administration has pledged to keep students informed and consult them throughout the process of the probable tuition hike for fall 2002 — in contrast to the increase that passed without much notice one year ago.

Student Trustee Eamon Kelly said he’s “comfortable” with the level of student involvement in discussing the tuition hike. He said he plans to address the potential boost at the Jan. 29 town hall meeting, and Illinois Student Government will garner student opinion at a tuition forum later in the semester.

This consultation with students about potential tuition hikes has not always been observed.

Last year the Board of Trustees voted on a 37 percent tuition increase over a two-year period on Jan. 18, 2001 — six weeks before the scheduled vote. The board designated the January meeting for discussion only and never mentioned voting.

The plan added a 5 percent increase to the tuition of all continuing students. This year's freshmen pay an extra $500 a semester, which with the regular 5 percent increase will raise their tuition from $3,724 to $4,410; next year's freshman class will be charged $5,206 a semester. After 2004 the base rate will be equal for all students.

As a direct result of the early vote, Illinois Student Government pushed for the assembly of the Tuition Advisory Committee, which is made up of about 10 students from across colleges. ISG President Bob Morgan said “communication has been much better this year,” and the administration came to the committee as soon as the state cuts were realized in December.

—Daily Illini

TCU Daily Skiff © 2002