The Collegian Weekly The opinion of The Collegian editorial staff
No tuition hike under our Christmas tree
Issue date: 12/4/08 Section: Opinion
'Tis the season to down eggnog, munch candy canes and be joyful. Sure, there's a financial crisis, or downturn, or recession (depending on whom you ask), but we can put aside our inner economic Scrooges and be glad - especially for the normally unnoticed little (yet important) things.
Take, for example, this simple truth worth appreciating: Hillsdale College is not raising tuition next semester.
Perhaps you've heard the whispers of exorbitant tuition hikes in our future. Elsewhere in the state, Michigan State University's board of trustees approved a 1.2 percent tuition increase for the upcoming spring semester - but the students won't pay the extra amount until summer, because the university will cover the previously unplanned difference.
The Collegian did a little research. Here at Hillsdale, rumors of mid-year tuition and fee increases are just that: rumors.
Ken Cole, chief administrative officer, told The Collegian Wednesday that while the current economic downturn has negatively affected the college's endowment, students will not have to pay more next semester to compensate.
"We know times are hard out there, and times are hard right here, too," Cole said. He added that never in his 27 years working with the college has he seen mid-year tuition hikes.
To adjust for the budget crunch, the college has been reevaluating expenditures. On the faculty and staff side, Cole said the college has pared down unnecessary trips and travel expenses, as well as ending less-critical memberships and subscriptions.
The college has also frozen equipment purchases, so only those deemed absolutely necessary are acquired.
On the plus side, Cole said the college has received more gifts and donations than they initially anticipated.
But students can help cut down on costs, too.
In dorms, Cole said students can turn off unnecessary lights to lower utility bills. Dropping the thermostat a few degrees can also help trim energy expenses.
Don't waste bathroom paper towels, or printing paper.
Tri-Beta, the college's biology honorary, started a recycling program this month. Strategically placed silver bins offer students an opportunity to recycle paper.
Nobody wants to see tuition rise. Cole said the goal is to return the budget to that of fiscal 2007-08, a move that will require "significant reductions."
College administrators should tell us how to help trim costs.
Cole said that a big increase in tuition next school year is unlikely.
"We're far from that," Cole said.
It's a great thing. Bring on the cheer.
Take, for example, this simple truth worth appreciating: Hillsdale College is not raising tuition next semester.
Perhaps you've heard the whispers of exorbitant tuition hikes in our future. Elsewhere in the state, Michigan State University's board of trustees approved a 1.2 percent tuition increase for the upcoming spring semester - but the students won't pay the extra amount until summer, because the university will cover the previously unplanned difference.
The Collegian did a little research. Here at Hillsdale, rumors of mid-year tuition and fee increases are just that: rumors.
Ken Cole, chief administrative officer, told The Collegian Wednesday that while the current economic downturn has negatively affected the college's endowment, students will not have to pay more next semester to compensate.
"We know times are hard out there, and times are hard right here, too," Cole said. He added that never in his 27 years working with the college has he seen mid-year tuition hikes.
To adjust for the budget crunch, the college has been reevaluating expenditures. On the faculty and staff side, Cole said the college has pared down unnecessary trips and travel expenses, as well as ending less-critical memberships and subscriptions.
The college has also frozen equipment purchases, so only those deemed absolutely necessary are acquired.
On the plus side, Cole said the college has received more gifts and donations than they initially anticipated.
But students can help cut down on costs, too.
In dorms, Cole said students can turn off unnecessary lights to lower utility bills. Dropping the thermostat a few degrees can also help trim energy expenses.
Don't waste bathroom paper towels, or printing paper.
Tri-Beta, the college's biology honorary, started a recycling program this month. Strategically placed silver bins offer students an opportunity to recycle paper.
Nobody wants to see tuition rise. Cole said the goal is to return the budget to that of fiscal 2007-08, a move that will require "significant reductions."
College administrators should tell us how to help trim costs.
Cole said that a big increase in tuition next school year is unlikely.
"We're far from that," Cole said.
It's a great thing. Bring on the cheer.
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