ASUSU VIEW: “Bottom-up Tuition” is no longer to be tolerated
The semester is winding down, students are cramming for their upcoming finals, and in the midst of it all is planning for the many weddings that occur over Christmas break. But let’s not forget about everybody’s favorite process for the following semester; registration. The majority of Utah State students have found something to complain about with this arduous process, whether it is long lines, additional costs incurred for using a credit card, or the frustration of adding or dropping a class after the start of the semester. These concerns have been addressed to the Ombudsman committee and we have passed them on to the Registrar’s Office.
The number one kicker that seems to affect more students state-wide is the unfortunate double whammy of “bottom-up Tuition.” For those that aren’t familiar with this terminology, “bottom-up Tuition” is the additional fees of taking both an on-line class and a campus class (or some combination of the two). Whether it is through one of the distance education sites or on the main campus here in Logan, we as students are being affected.
While there is work being done to correct this issue, each student can help in the process. First, be patient. President Albrecht has already formed a committee to devise and implement the most cost effective solution. Second, join with the Ombudsman committee in voicing your concerns. E-mails to the Student Services’ office will certainly be addressed when they come in larger volumes. Although the problem is being addressed, it is a common occurrence for initiatives to be set aside in favor of more pressing problems. But I would argue that few things are more pressing than paying double for one on-line class, especially with all of the little fees that students are already jabbed with.
So let’s keep up on this issue together and help resolve it as quickly as possible. It is a major concern for all of us and if we’re united we can reach a better solution and then work together to implement it. It is currently a concern of all ASUSU officers and our committees are working to remedy it. Beyond e-mails, it would be helpful to have volunteers dedicate themselves to an ASUSU committee that is seeking a solution to charging the “bottom-up” fee.
For more information on this or other items of criticism, ideas, or complaints, please stop by the Student Advocate’s office; 340 in the TSC, call 797-1720, or e-mail me at ombudsman@cc.usu.edu.