Fee increases are never "temporary". How often do costs go down? That's right--never.
ATLANTA --- A new fee of up to $100 a semester for Georgia college students passed the Board of Regents on Wednesday despite objections from students that University System of Georgia officials neglected to keep them informed about the possible change.
The new charge, along with an increase in the portion of health care costs shouldered by system employees, is aimed at helping the network of 35 colleges and universities deal with budget cuts of 8 or 10 percent expected shortly after the General Assembly convenes in January.
"These are unusual and extraordinary times," board Chairman Richard Tucker said during the teleconference held to approve the moves. "Nobody wanted to take these actions. ...We recognize the burden this puts on many, many people. This is not being done lightly."
Students at two- and four-year colleges will pay $50 a semester; students at four-year universities will pay $75 a semester; and those at research institutions including the University of Georgia and the Medical College of Georgia, will pay $100 a semester.
But student leaders from the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech who visited system offices in Atlanta protested the board's decision to waive a policy requiring consultation with a panel of students before increasing fees.
In a tense meeting with system officials after the board meeting, student leaders said they were frustrated that regents decided to bypass the policy.
"Right now, we've been slighted," said Christie Haynes, chairwoman of the UGA student government's external affairs committee. "We've been cut out of the process."
Officials at the meeting worked to assure the students that the fee would only be temporary and the policy override was required by the quick deterioration in the state's economic outlook.
"All of these things are unprecedented and happened very, very quickly," said Tonya Lam, associate vice chancellor for student affairs.
Students seemed largely unsatisfied after the meeting.
"The break from the precedent that has been set ... I think is worrying, and we need to have student input," said Nick Wellkamp, student body president at Georgia Tech.
The health care change approved by regents will boost from 25 to 30 percent the share of health plans that employees must pay. For example, a family using the system's HMO plan will pay $302.04, up from $251.70.
Reach Brandon Larrabee at (678) 977-3709 or brandon.larrabee@morris.com.
Comments
Fee increases are never "temporary". How often do costs go down? That's right--never.
And they wonder why enrollment is going down! I can't afford to pursue any courses!
Employees at MCG never get ahead. On the rare occasion there is enough money in the budget for raises (pitiful ones at that) then insurance deductions and parking fees go up every year and negate whatever raise you might get. Parking fees, what a joke. Paying to park at your place of work and not even guaranteed a space when you get there. And the first poster is correct...there's no such thing as a temporary increase...
And now these students are getting a good education about why workers unionize. I wouldn't be surprised if the students all demonstrated and refused to go to class until their questions are answered. I also think professors are way over paid for the work they do. By the way if the students do have a sit out, would the system still pay the professors even though they are not working?
they penalized us,students for trying to get a good quality education. the board of regents is dumb and stupid.it is us students that pay the professors paychecks. now, they are doing a increase, that makes me MAD!!!!!!
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