COLUMN: Let’s put Tier II Tuition to work

The old adage, “There are two certainties in life: death and taxes” should be adjusted for today to include death, taxes and a rise in tuition. Unfortunately, with this economy, tuition is going to be raised once again, by an estimated 4.5 percent in Tier I tuition. Tier II tuition will also be raised. The good news is that we, as students, will actually see this money go into effect at Utah State University.

If you’re unsure about the differences between Tier I and Tier II tuition, here’s a breakdown for you. A Tier I tuition increase affects every state university and college in Utah; it is across the board and the money goes to all higher – education schools across the state. Tier II tuition is a raise in tuition proposed by Utah State administration that applies just to USU students. But the difference is that this money stays at Utah State to directly affect you. You can thank Tier II money for the new and improved Fieldhouse, along with the recent increases in teachers and classes offered. Also, in 2005, the Banner system will be implemented, making the QUAD open 24/7 for online registration, grade checks and financial aid information. All this was and will be made possible by Tier II tuition.

President Hall is requesting a 4 percent increase in Tier II tuition this year, and now the question to you is this: Where do you want it to go? A committee of student representatives from the Associated Students of USU has come up with a list of areas they see as in need of additional funding. The committee’s recommendations are as follows:

Library funding – The library has been underfunded for more than a decade and receives $1.3 million less than our peer institutions to spend on books and $1.8 million less for journals.

Service-Learning Implementation – Academic Service-Learning offers students “hands-on” practical experience related to their course of study through community service experiences. Second tier tuition will be used for faculty training and development, the creation of a Service-Learning Scholars Program and Certificate, and the establishment of a Service-Learning Center.

Supplemental Instruction (SI) – We see a need to increase the number of SIs that are being offered for general classes. This will offer more tutoring for more students.

Increase in the number of depth classes – These classes are also known as bottleneck courses that all students are required to take. But with so many students and not enough classes, students cannot get into the classes they need to graduate. Increasing these classes will relieve this “bottleneck pressure.”

Fuel and Energy Deficit – Quite simply, we need to pay our bills unless we want to go to school one day without power and heat.

Utah State Extension – More than 5,000 students throughout the state are facing severe bottleneck pressure to get into upper-division classes. They also need more advisers and computers to support the ever-growing number of students.

These are just some of the ideas that have been voiced during the last few weeks. So, where do you want your tuition money to go? To have your voice heard you can speak to an ASUSU officer, e-mail your college senator or e-mail me. All of our contact information can be found online at the ASUSU Web site, a-station.usu.edu. We want to know how you think your tuition money could work for you.

Tagg Archibald is the ASUSU Extension vice president. Comments can be sent to tharch@cc.usu.edu.