LETTER: Hear each side’s argument

To the editor:

In recent weeks there has been a lot of information printed about the differential tuition. Some of it is fact, and some is opinion. Either way, some issues need clarification.

First: the cost of our tuition overall. Because USU is a state-funded university, the cost to attend school here is extremely low. While business tuition is now higher, it is a fact that we are lower, or competitive, in cost to our neighboring schools. The bottom line is that if you want a business degree, we are, and will continue to be, one of the best values around.

Second: the faculty. Our Dean cares about students and does not want to give pay raises to faculty just to “pad their wallets.” He is retaining top faculty that will challenge students and help them excel. This isn’t to say that we don’t have excellent teachers now, but I know from experience that there is room for improvement. It is inevitable that we must pay higher wages to faculty in the College of Business, regardless of their status in our college. It would be a waste to wait and increase wages after all of our top professors have left for better jobs. Yes, the cost of living in Logan is lower, yet the faculty in the College of Business are still underpaid. Students must realize the value we currently have and support an effort to retain that value.

Finally, students within the College of Business should realize that they are the future of the College. We as business students have the opportunity to begin a legacy of excellence. What’s happening within our college will have lasting effects for each student personally and for the college and university as a whole. I expect that everyone is skeptical of this tuition increase. Thus, I would challenge every person aspiring to obtain a business degree to attend Dean Doug Anderson’s brown bag on April 4, from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. on the ninth floor of the Business Building so each can form an educated opinion, and decide if an investment in their business education at USU is a worthwhile investment.

McKenzie Anderson