PENNSYLVANIA University panel OKs 5-percent tuition rise

The increase boosts annual tuition to $4,598.
HARRISBURG (AP) -- Resident undergraduate students will pay an additional 5 percent in tuition annually to attend Pennsylvania's 14 state-owned universities under an increase approved Tuesday by the system's governing board.
The new rate, which the board approved 10-2 during a teleconference, will boost tuition for Pennsylvania students in State System of Higher Education schools by $220 to $4,598 a year.
Chancellor Judy Hample recommended the increase and asked the universities to cut spending by a combined $40 million to compensate for a 5-percent reduction in state aid. Hample has said those cuts could mean leaving job vacancies open, increasing class sizes and delaying equipment purchases and building maintenance.
The board had delayed setting tuition July 10, hoping that state lawmakers and Gov. Ed Rendell would agree by the end of the month to restore university funding cuts during negotiations over public school funding.
But with tuition bills expected to be mailed to students around Aug. 1 and no budget resolution forthcoming, the board convened a special meeting on tuition.
"We believe it's essential for students and their families to plan for tuition payments shortly," board Chairman Charles Gomulka said.
Students speak out
Four students addressed the board before the vote, saying rising tuition costs are a growing burden. Millersville University sophomore Jordan Harris, of Philadelphia, said that among other things, he has sought donations to help defray his tuition bills.
"Every month, my grandmother and my aunt take money out of their Social Security checks specifically to support me at school," Harris said.
The board's two student representatives, Brandon Danz of Millersville University and Ronald L. Strickler Jr. of Lock Haven University, voted against the increase.
Danz suggested that the board adopt a 3-percent increase for now and continue to monitor the state budget negotiations.
"As the month of September approaches, if it becomes increasingly clear that we will not get any more money from the state, then I can tell you that you will have my vote for an additional 2-percent increase," he said.
But Gomulka said the board should proceed with adopting the 5-percent rate and then re-examine the decision at its October meeting.
"Hopefully by October we'll have a very clear picture as to what the budget process might be," he said.
State lawmakers who serve on the board cautioned that although they are discussing the matter with the governor's office, the prospect of getting additional funding remains uncertain.
Looking ahead
In an interview with reporters after the meeting, Hample said that if the state comes up with additional money, she will probably recommend restoring university spending cuts rather than reducing tuition.
"I would strongly urge the board not to do a tuition rebate," she said.
Last fall, the state system sought a 4.5-percent increase in its appropriation for the fiscal year that began July 1 to help balance its $1.1 billion budget. Had officials won that increase, tuition would have increased by 4.5 percent, the state system said.
The funding cut was proposed by Rendell and included in the state budget, which was passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor in March. The governor has said he hopes to use a portion of a $900 million federal windfall to restore a range of program cuts, including state university funding.
A year ago, the board approved a 9-percent increase for resident undergraduates -- the system's largest increase ever -- after state aid was reduced by 3 percent. It also introduced a $100 technology fee.
The state system comprises Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester universities.