South Carolina State University students will have to pay some extra money to study next fall.
The S.C. State Board of Trustees approved a 6 percent tuition increase Thursday. Vice President of Finance John Smalls said the increase will amount to about $439 per student for the academic year.
Board Chairman Maurice Washington said the tuition hike is necessary to maintain the services of the university in the face of certain state funding cuts.
“We don’t have much of an option at this point,” Washington said.
The tuition increase will generate more than $3.5 million to boost salaries, meet rising energy costs and add faculty to accommodate an expected increase in enrollment.
The board also approved a 5 percent increase in housing fees and a 3 percent jump in meal plans. In addition, technology fees will go up from $50 per semester to $75.
Health insurance will be mandatory for all students next year as well. If a student is not already covered, he will have to purchase insurance through the university. However, that cost will not exceed $200 per semester, according to the board’s new policy.
Since the S.C. General Assembly has not fully funded requests for deferred maintenance projects on campus in recent years, Smalls suggested that it is time to take the initiative by borrowing $10 million in tuition bonds from the state.
The board obliged by approving Small’s suggestion, which will raise money to renovate four currently vacant buildings on campus. Those buildings are Wilkinson, Miller, Manning and Bradham Halls. The bonds will be repaid over 20 years.
In other business:
* Mick Jackson of Nevada-based Virtual Education Software, Inc. gave the board a presentation on how Internet classes would work, should the university decide to use them.
S.C. State interim President Dr. Leonard McIntyre said Internet classes could draw non-traditional students. Jackson noted that tuition costs for the classes would be the same. Washington said the administration should look into the matter further and make recommendations.
* Washington said the third installment of the Low Country Classic will be held Sept. 13 against Bethune-Cookman.
* Director of Honors, International and Student Exchange Programs Dr. Harriet Roland brought up the possibility of establishing an honors college on campus. Roland estimated it could have about 300 to 500 students enrolled in the next few years.
“This is a timely, visionary move,” McIntyre said.
* The board recognized the men’s and women’s tennis teams and cheerleading squad for winning MEAC championships in their respective sports.
* Chorus students from the Charleston Development Academy performed several songs for the board.
* McIntyre said the university will go smoke-free by Aug. 1.
T&D Staff Writer Lee Tant can be reached by e-mail at ltant@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-534-1060.