LETTER: law will affect students at USU

Dear Editor,

Many students at Utah State University are probably unaware of recent legislation passed by the Utah State Legislature that says out-of-state students are not allowed to apply for in-state tuition until they have at least 60 credits from a Utah university or college.

This law, unless vetoed by Gov. Leavitt, will have a huge affect on all out-of-state students. This includes transfer and Success Program students and out-of-state returned missionaries.

Being an out-of-stater who has had to go through all the crap of becoming a resident, I can fully understand the consequences this legislation will have. Many students have to work full-time, register to vote, show proof of having lived in an apartment and a whole lot of other junk just to be considered a resident. This law will put undo pressure on families and individuals who want to go to school.

Among those affected are students in the Success Program. Success students were lied to. They were told they could get in-state tuition after one year, but now that is not so.

Here is what can be done to help. Many students are planning a letter-writing campaign to Gov. Leavitt in order to encourage him to veto this devastating law. I urge all concerned students, non-resident and alike, to write Gov. Leavitt and tell him to veto this law at the following address: Office of the Governor, 210 State Capitol, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84114-0601. Calls can also be made to his office at (801) 385-1000.

Although the legislative session is over, it might be beneficial to contact the public servant who thought this law would help higher education students. His name is Jeff Alexander, and he can be contacted at his office at (801) 224-8666. He can also be reached by e-mail at jeffa@alexanders.com.

Be sure to let your elected officials know how you feel because this affects us all.

Andy Dilley

activities vice president