While tuition likely will remain frozen for the first time in more than 20 years, University of Memphis students will still find it more expensive to attend starting in August.
The Tennessee Board of Regents is scheduled to meet June 19 to consider a mandatory fee increase of $307 per year for full-time students. The board will also consider a tuition freeze for in-state students and a tuition decrease for out-of-state students.
"A lot of students don't understand there are two different types of fees they pay," Monica Greppin-Watts, communications director of the Tennessee Board of Regents said.
On top of tuition, full-time students pay $628 in mandatory program fees every semester that go toward everything from new technology to free tickets at athletic events.
If the fee hike is approved, students will pay $298 annually to build a bridge across the railroad tracks and a new campus recreational center. The remaining $9 will go to the student Health Services.
In 2005, controversy struck when students learned they were to pay for the construction of the new University Center. Many students expressed resentment because they were not given an option to vote on the project nor would it be finished by the time many of them graduated. Full-time students pay $62 every semester to support the UC renovation.
A survey was presented to students about the new recreational center and bridge before the proposal was passed, and similar feelings surfaced when students found out they would be the ones paying for the construction.
"I think it's absolutely ridiculous because I'm a senior and unless the bridge and rec center is built and ready to go by fall, then I have no use for it," Ladd Caldwell, business management major, said. "They should only charge new incoming freshman that fee because they will be getting the most out of it."
While the survey asked students if they were in favor of the land bridge and new recreational center, it did not mention the fee hike that would have to take place in order to pay for the construction.
"We received the highest rate of response we've had in any survey ever in such a short amount of time," Rosie Bingham, vice president for Student Affairs said. "The response was an overwhelming yes."
The projects are set to start next summer and finish the following fall, according to Ricky Kirby, president of the Student Government Association.
Students who pay the fee and graduate before the construction is over will still be able to utilize the facility for free for as many semesters as they paid the fee.
All tuition decisions and fee changes must be approved by the Tennessee Board of Regents, but the U of M administration is recommending that the board approve the tuition freeze for in-state students along with the fee increase and the decrease in out-of-state tuition.
"Tuition will be set in June. The U of M stated they do not want a raise, but that won't officially be finalized for another month," Greppin-Watts said.
