Martin said students also sign up for some courses and drop them late in terms, which can end up costing universities money. Students said universities could put a lid on wholesale dropping of classes by imposing more substantial fees for the practice. Council member Merl Hackbart said he was reluctant to have the council get back into forcing tuition rules on campuses. The council used to set tuitions for all of higher education but gave that authority to governing boards only two years ago. Council member Walter Baker said the debate over economics overlooked another view of higher education.
Individuals go to learn, expand their outlooks and become better citizens.
A part of the council's recommendation is that universities should raise 37 percent of their budgets from student tuition and fees. The threshold would be 30 percent for technical and community colleges and Kentucky State University. Another piece would encourage schools to charge higher tuition for non-Kentucky students as recognition of the fact they also support the system through their taxes. The full council could take up the topic again at its May meeting.