Students could be seeing an increase in tuition this coming fall. The new increases are being proposed in order to meet operational needs, fund the departmental operations, merit increases, new faculty positions, student scholarships and general university support, according to information distributed at hearings held about the increases.
If approved, tuition would rise by 7 percent for the coming fall semester, according to Garcia.
Other proposed increases are a $10 increase per semester credit hour for Distance Education and $2 per semester credit hour for Technology Access.
Garcia indicated that the increase in Technology Access Fees would not fund any new computer labs, but instead provide funding for technology support, equipment and salaries.
Garcia did note an increase in computer access portals (replacing hand pushed technology carts) throughout university classrooms, which allow for professors to have technology access while teaching.
Graduate students would all be charged a $25 Graduate Application Fee, currently only charged to out of state (non-resident) students.
In addition to the proposed tuition increases, Garcia presented a $5 per semester credit hour athletic fee proposal. If approved, the new fee will be used to fund additional scholarships and programs to meet the NCAA Division II requirements. Currently the university is an NCAA provisional member.
Students will vote on the proposed athletic fee later on in the semester.
The proposed increases would be implemented fall 2007, according to Jose Garcia, vice-president for finance and administration.
When asked by a student if students could expect to see a rise in scholarship awards (TAMIU awarded scholarships) to offset the rise in tuition, Garcia responded that it is probable that there may be an increase.
According to President Ray M. Keck, who was present at the Jan. 26 hearing, “the proposed increases are subject to change depending on the amount the Texas Legislature awards” for higher education; noting that Texas has a $14.3 billion surplus.
The two hearings were held to provide the student body with information regarding the proposed increases and answer any questions students have at the Western Hemispheric Trade building (Jan 25 and 26). On hand at the hearings were members of the Student Fee Advisory Committee, made up by students, faculty and administration. The Jan. 25 hearing had about ten students present while the Jan. 26 hearing had over fifteen students present.
After 158 attempted credit hours; according to Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, TAMIU students on average take up to 11 semesters to receive a degree (2005 THECB Report).
TAMIU ranks 4th (above Texas A&M College Station) in retention according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB)