During Winter Break, university officials announced a $2,000 per year tuition increase for undergraduate students. Some students went to social media to express frustrations and concerns regarding the hike.
Click here for more on the increase.
One of the main complaints from students was the lack of warning or discussion before the increase was announced, and rightfully so. If university officials had been more transparent about the possibility of an increase by communicating about it beforehand, students would probably be more understanding.
Not giving a warning about something so important and often worrisome to students made the announcement jarring and frustrating, especially during a time when students were trying to relax with their loved ones and not stress about school.
Furthermore, students who already barely make ends meet may have to consider other options to complete their college degrees. While scholarships are being offered and assistance from financial aid is encouraged, the likelihood of everyone’s needs being met is slim.
It is true that tuition increases typically happen every year at most colleges. This is the first one in five years, which explains why it is so large. While increases are common, it’s frustrating for students that neither a specific list of reasons for the change nor an idea of where the money will go were released. It’s no secret that there are improvements on this campus that need to be made, and students just want to know if those needs will be met with this change.
The vague responses from university officials so far are an added layer of frustration for the student body.
With President Martha Burger out of the office until Jan. 14, her input on the subject also is unknown to students.
Officials responded through the university Facebook account to a comment regarding the increase, writing, “The increase will help ensure the continuation and enhancement of the unique, personalized student experience that prepares our students for a bright future.” Though this shows a clear effort to address student concerns, this kind of language is too vague and generic to actually communicate anything the students want to know.
As long as students respectfully request more information on the matter, a conversation needs to occur between the student body and officials about the tuition increase.
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