Many Americans are concerned that oil companies have been price gouging the public. Who could have guessed that the students of Mississippi universities could possibly become victims of price gouging for going to school?
Last week the State College Board tentatively approved an increase in tuition for MSU students: 5.5 percent for in-state students and 8 percent for out-of-state students. Additionally, a 1 percent increase could possibly be added to help cover the cost of rising utility costs, which would bring the increases to 6.5 percent for in-state students and 9 percent for out-of-state-students. The board will have a final vote on these increases next month.
This tentative approval came after $90.5 million was appropriated to Mississippi for higher education. Over half of this money will be used for 5 percent salary increases for the staffs and faculties of Mississippi universities, according to an IHL press release. Although we’re not against the staff and faculty receiving more money-presently they are below the regional salary average-we are discouraged and disappointed that only $4 million will be used for “education and general university funding.”
Moreover, our university hasn’t made energy use at campus a big deal. Sure, people know MSU is over the budget on energy costs, but we still haven’t seen a campuswide effort or strategy to alleviate this problem. Instead, the administration’s terrible budget planning might be a problem that will hit the wallets of all students.
MSU President Robert Foglesong came here with open arms, welcoming students even to his home. But it’s disappointing that now, as he has told a Reflector staff member, he supports some increase in tuition.
Why do we deserve a tuition increase? Perhaps the university really is hurting for money, yet that’s not our faults. Plus, the university wouldn’t be here if we weren’t willing to attend.
Thomas Meredith, commissioner of higher education, said, “We are grateful for the support given by the governor and our Legislature for our salary increases, and we are confident this is the beginning of a renewal of support for higher education.” We aren’t grateful for Meredith’s support of the tuition increase. How can higher education be renewed if the needs of students don’t come first?
Furthermore, why should out-of-state students receive an even higher tuition increase? Mississippi is not that diverse, and out-of-state students give the university extra dimension. This increase in tuition isn’t supportive of campus diversity or the situation of out-of-state students-they already pay more than twice what in-state students pay.
Also, the board is considering making meal plans mandatory for all freshmen next year. This is another unnecessary blow to students who already pay too much for current tuition, books, rent, room and board, groceries and gas.
For many students this action taken by the board is unacceptable. So we encourage all students not to take this lightly if they feel that this affects them. Contact the board at 601-432-6333 or write Thomas Meredith at 3825 Ridgeland Road, Jackson, MS 39211. You can also e-mail complaints to [email protected].
But you don’t have to stop there. We encourage you to let President Foglesong know how you feel, and we would like you to write to The Reflector as well. Of course, you could also protest this tuition increase in the various forums available on campus.
Sitting around and complaining won’t help. Don’t be apathetic. This tuition increase will affect you, and you don’t have to take it. The only way something will be done is if you demand it. The board won’t just give us a break.
The Reflector editorial board is made up of opinion editor Jed Pressgrove, news editor Aaron Burdette, assistant news editor C.J. LeMaster, sports editor R.J. Morgan, entertainment editor Gabe Smith, online editor Sara McAdory, managing editor Ross Dellenger and editor in chief Tyler Stewart.