A tuition increase of approximately$177 is now in effect beginning with the fall 2004 semester.
There is a 4 percent operationalfee, which is exactly $62.00 that was approved by the Louisiana legislature.
In a letter from Joseph Savoie,state commissioner of higher education, it was stated the 4 percent fee was tohelp Louisiana’s public colleges and universities avoid a near $18 millionfunding shortfall for 2004-05.
Also the result of this fee was atotal increase in tuition and fees for 2004-05 that fell well below the significantincreases adopted elsewhere across the country, averaging approximately 12percent.
Moreover, the legislationestablishing the new 4 percent operational fee provided for a financial waiverfor students who lack sufficient means to adsorb the added cost. Don Vandal,the deputy commissioner of the administration said the fee would probablyremain the same in the future.
Southern University ChancellorEdward Jackson said without the tuition increase the university would have beenforced to reduce staff to make it through this year.
“When I found out about theincrease I was greatly relieved,” Jackson said.
Along with the operational fee,there is a 3 percent tuition increase of $46.00 that was approved by the statelegislature.
To improve the athleticfacilities, a total of $25 was added to the overall increase. “That athleticfee increase is for the construction process,” said Floyd Kerr, director ofathletics. The money will helpexpand the stadium and get new locker rooms. It will also create permanentseating in the north end section of Mumford Stadium.
Thirty-nine dollars was alsoadded to construct an intramural sports complex.
A fee was also added for aspecial events fee, which was approved by a student referendum. According to Russell Frazier, StudentGovernment Association adviser, the $5 fee is for the homecoming and springfestconcerts.
