Accordingly, a University-wide Committee studied the current plan and discussed alternatives. Although strongly supporting the Board's historic commitment to affordability, the Committee believes that modifications to the policy are necessary and warranted due to externally imposed changes that have occurred. This new requirement prohibits the use of increased revenue for program enhancements when tuition increases are held at the rate of inflation and enrollment does not increase significantly. The new requirement needs to be addressed when developing policy on tuition increases. Education is an investment made by the state and the student to better the student's life as well as the welfare of the state.
Tuition is a portion of the investment made by the student and the student's family.
General tax revenues are the state's portion of meeting the educational budget. Student auxiliary services are funded from fees charged to all students in a manner similar to tuition charges. While tuition supports the educational budget of the University, fees individually fund support services to enhance the University's educational experience. In some cases, fees fund programs supported by revenue bonds andmust be used to support facilities and other requirements. Each fee supports its own purpose and the funds are not interchangeable within the University budgets.