Entering Walter Hall on Wednesday night, Ohio University President Roderick McDavis taught students “basic economics” to gain their support for raising tuition.
In a presentation that was roundly applauded, McDavis told OU Student Senate the university is seriously considering increasing tuition to meet rising costs until it can implement a guaranteed tuition model in 2014 or 2015.
“In the intervening time, what we’re talking about doing is if the state sets a cap for 2 percent, we’re talking about coming in under that cap,” McDavis said. “We’re not talking about adopting a 2 percent increase for next year.”
Now in his ninth year at OU, McDavis said the current tuition model with incremental raises is “not sustainable” though costs continue to rise and the need to increase revenue to cover costs is “basic economics.”
“We have strategic priorities within the institution and when we generate new revenue, we commit that new revenue to expanding,” McDavis said.
Pushing the guaranteed tuition model, McDavis spoke to the goal of having students pay less their senior year than they did their freshman year under the new model compared to the current differential tuition model.
A focus on scholarship growth also highlighted his presentation, adding OU is looking at raising $25 million for scholarships internally while fundraising $50 million externally.
“Our commitment is to try to decrease your cost and to help you with your student debt by doing two things,” McDavis said. “Have a guaranteed tuition plan that sets the rate for two years and raising more money so we have more scholarships to decrease your debt.”
Following McDavis’ presentation, Student Senate President Zach George gave his State of the Senate address.
“Before REACH, we were regarded as a group of do-nothings,” George said. “This senate has challenged such misconceived notions. We as a body have targeted and achieved many goals that improve the student experience.”
Citing resolutions and initiatives that targeted college affordability and an enhanced student role in decision-making, George argued his Senate’s work has been impactful. He encouraged current senators to work hard to build on the foundation this year has set.
Senate’s balance at the meeting was $15,753.31 while the Student Appropriation Commission had a balance of $77,440.48 – money that will be spent quickly in the coming weeks, according to Senate Treasurer Evan Ecos.
dd195710@ohiou.edu
