“Tuition increases” and “fee hikes” are two phrases that college students nationwide do not like to hear or read about – especially if it concerns them.
This is also true for the students at Winston-Salem State University. Recently, WSSU students learned that several fees they pay have increased.
The Athletic Fee, Student Activity Fee, Campus Center Fee and the Educational and Technology Fee have all increased at WSSU. Students can expect to pay $50 more in tuition and $100 more in athletics fees per semester. In-state undergraduates will pay $3,485 in tuition and fees for the 2007-08 school year; out-of-state students will pay $12,125. Overall, the tuition increase will go toward faculty salaries, financial aid, and academic counseling.
Some students such as Laketa Keel, sophomore biology major, were aware of the fee increases, but others like Emily Gray, a sophomore elementary education, were caught off guard. “I am surprised I have to give more money,” she said.Most students want to know: Who makes the decision about tuition increases?
Recently, the leaders of the University of North Carolina System instituted a 6.5 percent cap on tuition and some fee increases each year for the next four years.
WSSU’s proposed increase was 5.6 percent. After being approved at that level, it then moved to the State Board of Governors, where the fee increases were accepted on Friday, Feb. 9.
The largest fee increase is related to the athletic department, which will cover team travel, uniforms, equipment, athletic scholarships and conference dues, according to Dr. Percy “Chico” Caldwell, WSSU athletic director.
The Student Activity Fee covers the cost of any extracurricular activities for WSSU students in such areas as intramurals, fitness center, and concerts. “There is a budget that accommodates all of the funds dispersed,” said Theo Howard, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs-Campus Life.Administrative representatives for the Education and Technology Fee were unavailable for comment after three opportunities to do so.
“Why do I have to pay that athletic fee? I don’t even go to football or basketball games,” said Shonda Goins, a junior mass communications major.
Leslie Wallace, a freshman chemistry major, offered this comment: “Maybe they should allow students to pay as they use certain things or have membership cards for each individual things like the game room and fitness center.”