About 35 students gathered yesterday for Pizza with the Provost in Baker University Center's 1804 Lounge and raised concerns about state funding for higher education, increasing the general fee to fund cultural events and the rising cost of tuition.
Pizza with the Provost is an open forum for students to ask questions of Provost Kathy Krendl and is sponsored by Student Senate.
One student asked if the implementation of Vision Ohio, Ohio University's strategic plan for the future, would create a surplus that would lead to a decrease in funding from the state.
I don't understand where this rumor comes from
Krendl said, adding that she has been asked this question several times.
The state has a set amount of money to spend on higher education, and how much each institution receives is based largely on student enrollment, she explained.
It has absolutely nothing to do with our budget Krendl said, noting that any revenue the university generates will be reinvested into programs and scholarships.
Chelsea Conley, a member of Student Senate from the College of Fine Arts, asked how the university is progressing in reviewing a proposal to increase the general fee to fund cultural and artistic events.
The proposal, endorsed by both Student Senate and Graduate Student Senate, would add $15 per student per quarter to help offset ticket prices, which some see as cost prohibitive, Krendl said.
The university is currently discussing ways to aid fine arts, she said.
I would prefer getting there without increasing the general fee Krendl said.
Will Klatt, a freshman politics and media major, expressed concern that yearly 6 percent tuition increases would deter students from attending OU.
Krendl explained that the tuition increase could be attributed to the rising costs of energy, health insurance, and programs and services, as well as salary increases.
I think there is an expectation on your part that we maintain a state-of-the-art campus
she said.
Without an increase, the university would run a $9.2 million deficit, she said.
Krendl noted that 1 percent of the 6 percent tuition increase goes toward scholarships to help students afford to attend OU.
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