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MAY 7, 2004 -- Michigan Technological University's Board of Control voted to "take the governor's pledge" May 7 and cap next year's tuition increase at 2.3 percent. "We hope this will remove some uncertainty for students and their parents as they make their financial plans for next year," MTU Interim President Glenn Mroz said. While the state has cut this year's appropriation to Michigan Tech by 5 percent, from $49.7 million to $47.2 million, Governor Jennifer Granholm has promised to restore 3 percent, or $1.5 million, if the university holds any increase in next year's tuition to the rate of inflation, now estimated at 2.3 percent. In addition, Granholm has promised not to cut appropriations during the upcoming fiscal year for public universities that observe the tuition cap. The pledge is based on the understanding that the state legislature approves the governor's recommendation. If the university were not to take the pledge, it would have to hike tuition 11 percent to raise an equivalent amount of revenue. The cap should also allow parents of MTU students to take a special state tax credit reserved for those attending universities that keep their tuition increase at or below the rate of inflation. The board also gave initial approval to several new degree programs and set room and board rates for the upcoming academic year. The School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science plans to offer four new graduate degrees: a Master of Forestry and Master of Science degrees in Forest Ecology and Management, Applied Ecology, and Forest Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology. In addition, it proposes to start a new BS in Wildlife Ecology and Management next fall. The new master's degrees reflect the School's existing strengths in ecology, forestry and biotechnology. While graduate students have long been able to focus their studies on these areas, their degree titles have not always reflected their specialization. The Department of Humanities has developed a BA degree in Communication and Culture Studies with three concentrations: contemporary culture, communication in human interactions and global contexts, and communication media. "We're very excited about putting forth this degree," said department chair Robert Johnson. "It's different from the other degrees now offered at Michigan Tech, and we hope it will not only be attractive to students, but will also be an integral part of the Michigan Tech of the future. The new degree programs now go before the State Board of Academic Officers and must receive final approval from the Board of Control before being adopted. The board approved increases in the room-and-board rates ranging from 4.4 percent to 5.2 percent, depending on the type of room. The increase is due in part to the cost of new fire safety improvements, including sprinklers. The annual cost of a standard occupancy room and 19-meals-per-week plan in most university residence halls will rise from $5,775 to $6,076, with the cost of a standard Wadsworth Hall suite room increasing from $6,501 to $6,789. Students can save $99 by selecting the 14-meal plan, $198 with the 10-meal plan, and $1,221 with the five-meal plan. Rent in university apartments will increase from 3.4 percent to 3.6 percent. Students will pay $444 for a two-bedroom apartment, up from $429. |