Matthew Fabian
mfabian1@uwyo.edu
In Senate Resolution #2481, ASUW approved a 4 percent tuition increase under the guise of President Brian Schueler for the 2017 fiscal year.
The bill authored by the president and Senators Hanson, Kerbs and Krell, estimates a $142.80 increase for in-state undergraduate students and a $572.40 increase for out-of-state undergraduate students.
“Given the stretched resources of both the State of Wyoming, and the university, prioritization of interests must be made for strategic budget planning,” according to SR 2481. “The quality of the educational experience provided at UW is vital to the current and future success of the students.”
The bill does not support an annual tuition increase, but does leave the door open for future tuition increases if certain factors continue to propagate the State’s budget problems.
“The effects of the proposed 4% [sic] increase in tuition…may be necessary to prevent worse outcomes for students at the university,” according to SR 2481.
The bill passed on November 17 in a 19-1-3 vote with ASUW. The bill included polls of student reception to tuition increases, with 73 percent of respondents against a tuition increase. Although, when the respondents were given the areas of spending with a 4 percent tuition increase, the nays dipped to 56 percent.
“‘I have not benefited from the last tuition increase,’” a student said in SR 2481.
Although, it was not all doom and gloom from voices within the student body as some comments were included support the 4 percent tuition increase.
“‘I would rather the university be able to retain high quality faculty than pay a little less for school,’” according to another student remark in SR 2481.
The Board of Trustees will now be forced to consider the 4 percent increase after ASUW’s affirmation of the policy.
