Tuition increases alone won’t solve YSU’s budgetary crisis

Make it six in a row — the number of years tuition at Youngstown State University will have increased after the board of trustees this month accepts the recommendation of its finance and facilities committee.

As to the question “When will it end?” the answer is rather straightforward: “No one knows.” That’s because there doesn’t seem to be a quick fix for the university’s fiscal problems.

The combination of cuts in state funding for higher education and a reduction in enrollment is proving to be financially toxic for the urban, open-access institution.

But, here’s the dilemma YSU’s trustees face: the more they raise tuition and fees, the greater the likelihood that prospective students will select a cheaper alternative. It’s no accident that as Youngstown State’s enrollment has been falling, Eastern Gateway Community College’s numbers in the Mahoning Valley have been rising.

What’s even more troubling is that the situation at YSU isn’t getting better.

When President Randy Dunn, whose short-lived tenure comes to a screeching halt in August — if not sooner — took over the reins from Cynthia Anderson, he inherited a budget with a $1.8 million shortfall.

Dunn warned the deficit would grow; he was right.

The decline in enrollment, which started in the fall 2011 semester, shows no signs of easing. And since a 1 percent decline in the number of students equals a $1 million loss in revenue, the bottom line is clear.

In explaining the need for the tuition increase for this fall semester, board of trustees Chairman Dr. Sudershan Garg said the university is having to deal with an $8 million budget shortfall, which could grow to $10 million if new revenue isn’t found.

Thus, even with the increase in tuition, which will generate $2 million, spending cuts will have to be made.

The lone dissenting vote on the finance and facilities committee was Harry Meshel, former long-time state legislator and an ardent supporter of YSU. Meshel’s opposition comes as no surprise given his past “no” votes. He consistenly has argued that the institution’s fiscal problems should not be solved on the backs of the students.

When — not if — the board of trustees approves the increases on March 12, the cost of attending YSU for one semester will rise to $4,044 from $3,950 for undergraduate students.

The increase is within the tuition cap set by the state. The cap limits annual tuition increases for full-time undergraduate students to $188 per year.

The per-semester cost for resident YSU graduate students increases from about $5,283 to about $5,441.

Other categories of students, such as non-residents, would also be paying more.

The committee’s vote would increase room and board rates at university halls 2 percent. That change would bring in an additional $150,000 in income.

Budget cuts

Since the revenue generated will not come close to erasing the budget deficit, the trustees must consider making cuts now, before a new president and a new provost are hired.

Indeed, Dr. Dunn has formed a budget review committee made up of administrators and union employees, including faculty, to go over YSU’s spending plan.

The University of Akron, which is also looking for a new president, recently announced that it is cutting 55 degree programs, about 10 percent of the university’s offerings. About 600 students will be affected.

The reason for such drastic action: a decline in enrollment.

“These are hard times, and everything cannot be sustained,” said Chand Midha, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

YSU is in the same boat.