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Tuition may rise by $10 per hour

Proposed increase in designated tuition part of larger fee hike plan, officials say

by Geronimo Rodriguez
Senior Staff Writer

UH Vice President for Administration and Finance John Rudley proposed an estimated $10 per semester credit hour designated tuition increase for the fall semester during a meeting with student leaders Tuesday. After the state Legislature removed a $46 per semester credit hour limit on designated tuition -- the portion of tuition set by state universities -- UH raised its designated tuition by $19 per credit hour for this semester. Rudley said he formed the Designated Tuition Review Committee last year to receive student input in future tuition and fee increases.

UH officials will pitch their increase proposal to all students at noon March 8 in the University Center's Bluebonnet Room. A second forum, also open to all students, will be held at 5:30 p.m. March 9, also in the Bluebonnet Room.

The 15-member committee, which includes five students, created a proposal that would produce an estimated $10 million in revenue by charging students $9.79 more per semester credit hour for Fall 2004.

That wasn't the only increase discussed at the meeting, however.

In preparation for a parking garage, the committee proposed increases in the cost of parking permits. The proposed garage, which will cost an estimated $28.6 million and will be located at Scott Street and Holman Avenue, will add 1,700 parking spaces to the campus.

Some student leaders expressed their concern that students aren't "sold" on the idea of a parking garage, especially for a $200 garage parking permit, but Rudley said the project prepares the University for the future.

"I think students will pay $200 for the convenience of driving right into parking spot and going to class," he said. "And, as you put the problems on the table, I think we'll have a solution."

Students should expect a 4 percent annual increase in parking rates beginning in 2005 and spanning the next 10 years to help fund the project, Director of Parking and Transportation Bob Browand said.

Vice President for Student Affairs Elwyn C. Lee addressed the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center fee, saying an increase to $79 from $75 would help cover rising utility costs.

The committee also recommended that the Instructional Access and Support Fee and the Undergraduate Academic Development Fee each be raised 50 cents to $4.50 and $3.50, respectively.

The Instructional Access and Support Fee might see an increase "because more and more students are using the online and distance education courses," Assistant Vice President for Planning and University Outreach Edward Hugetz said. 
 

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