Jessica Rosenberg
Copy Editor
Over the last year the entire country has felt the heat of a recession. With rising fuel prices and the increase in the costs of everyday necessities, it is no surprise that students would not be exempt from a struggling economy.
BC Board of Trustees members had a tough choice to make, but eventually decided to increase the tuition, again.
Last January, just one semester ago, the tuition was raised by 5 percent. Now students are faced with an additional 6 percent increase; making the total amount $77.84 per credit hour for the fall 2008 semester.
According to Bill Pennell, CFO of Broward College, raising the tuition was in the student’s “best interest.”
“Due to $6.4 million in cutbacks, the Board made the best decision they could under tough circumstances,” said Pennell.
It was also important to Pennell that the positives of the increase are understood as well.
“We’re also pushing for 10 additional full-time faculty members as opposed to adjunct professors and also an increase in student advisors as well,” explained Pennell.
The decision to increase the tuition did not come easy for Board members.
“I thought it was terrible…with the rising costs and the decline in the economy, tuition should be the last worry for students,” said Board member Levi Williams.
Although Williams was conflicted by his decision, he wanted to ensure students that the result would not be in vain.
When asked to rationalize and explain the benefits of the increase to ease the student’s dissatisfaction, Williams did not hesitate.
“I understand the students concern and I would say the biggest benefit is no doubt the continuation of higher education that BC provides and the quality it maintains.”
Students had their chance to sound off on how they felt about the tuition increase. Surprisingly many students didn’t even realize there was an increase.
However, the ones who were aware were not pleased.
“It’s ridiculous! I pay so much anyway for books and gas to get here. I mean, what’s next? Why does this keep happening?” said Tanique Douglas, 23, business major.
Broward College is not the only college to feel the impact of rising tuition costs.
According to Pennell, “All 28 community colleges as well as several universities have been met with the 6 percent increase this semester.”
Although that doesn’t bring tremendous relief to students, BC Board members and faculty promise the highest level of excellence will be maintained.
1 comment:
I think a comma between "up" and "again" would've spruced up the headline. Why didn't you people use one?
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