LETTER: ASUSU knows what’s it’s doing
Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to the letter published Monday, which condemned the “frivolous and irresponsible” action that ASUSU took in support of the proposed second-tier tuition increase. I respect the writer’s opinion, but I feel that many of the statements made were erroneous and deserve explanation.
To assert that the decision was made with “very little research or substantive thought” and that “a lack of insight and effort” went into the decision is totally false. ASUSU has been discussing the possibility of tuition increases since February. Administration approached ASUSU and asked us to identify areas of need from a student perspective. Extensive efforts were made in a number of meetings to discuss the ramifications of such an increase. Cost breakdowns of the proposal were considered in great detail and comparisons were made to peer institutions. The impact on enrollment and recruiting was a major concern and was discussed at length. The need for more financial aid opportunities was a consensus among the group.
After President Hall’s presentation, student feedback was solicited. I have discussed the proposal with a number of students. Additionally, every member of ASUSU has office hours posted, e-mail addresses are available on the ASUSU Web site and meetings are open in order to facilitate student feedback.
Utah State University has the highest faculty-to-student ratio of any institution in the state. Advising for students and the library are in desperate need of resources. If the increase is approved, these areas will receive additional money and students will directly benefit from their tuition dollars.
Our tuition is among the very lowest anywhere in the country for an equivalent institution. USU cannot and will not be able to maintain its status without additional support.
As a representative of the students, I made the motion to support the second-tier tuition increase and I stand by that decision 100 percent. It is my responsibility as an elected officer to study and understand issues and then act in the best interests of students. I feel that I have done that.
Jim Stephenson
ASUSU Academic Vice President