Student Publications
University of Houston
151C Communications Bldg
Houston, TX 77204-4015
713.743.5350

©1991-2007
Student Publications,
All rights reserved.

Last modified:

Contact:
ktruitt@uh.edu

News

Tuition increase looms

by JULIAN GUNTHER
The Daily Cougar

The Tuition and Fees Committee met Thursday night to discuss the 9.9 percent tuition and fee increase for the proposed fiscal year 2007 budget. 

The meeting was an open forum allowing students to express concerns about the proposed budget, as required by Texas law.

Vice President for Administration and Finance John Rudley said the main reasons for the proposed increase were stagnant enrollment and unforeseen energy costs.

"We had some things happen to (UH) that put things out of balance," Rudley said. "The No. 1 thing is the utility crisis."

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita impacted energy costs throughout the nation, increasing energy prices. 

"The first problem we have is the increase in utility costs, and here we have a $6 million problem," Rudley said. "Because of this national energy crisis we are having to add a 3.8 percent surcharge to offset energy costs."

UH enrollment has leveled off in the past couple of years, Edward Hugetz, associate vice president for planning and University outreach, said. 

Hugetz said that the Board of Regents plans for an increase in enrollment when planning the budget. 

"We are down about one-and-a-half percent in enrollment, and that is mainly at the master's level. Our undergrad enrollment is flat," Hugetz said. "Our master's program is down by about 300 students; this typically happens when the economy is good. They opt for jobs over school. It's very counter-cyclical." 

Rudley said the University has developed new programs to attract more students to UH next year. 

"Next year, although we hope enrollment will be higher, we have to estimate very conservatively," Vice President for Student Affairs Elwyn Lee said.

The University is planning to budgets in some departments. Rudley said primary cuts will come from the administrative departments; however, non-classroom academic departments will also face budget cuts. 

In the proposed budget, UH housing costs would increase between three to four percent for FY 2007.

UH parking passes also will be affected. Permits are set to increase to $124 from $119 for an annual pass. Rates at the parking garage will remain unchanged. 

Faculty members will still receive a three percent annual salary increase, which Rudley said is consistent with inflation and cost of living increases. The University has also allotted money for 30 new faculty positions that Rudley said will keep UH competitive. 

Rudley said. "We do not want to maintain a basic level of service — we want to be competitive." 

State legislators have cut back on funding to Texas schools because of a lack of revenue. The Texas Constitution sets a cap on property taxes that can be designated for education. 

"You put the numbers into any computer and the answer will be a state income tax, but the minute a legislator pushes for an income tax they get voted out of office," Rudley said.

UH is a member of the Urban 13, a group of universities in major metropolitan areas. The average UH student enrolled for 12 hours each semester in the 2005-06 academic year paid $5,326 in tuition and fees, whereas the average Urban 13 students paid $6,353.

The Board of Regents will review the proposed budget recommendations on April 4.

Send comments to dcnews@mail.uh.edu