TAMIU Student Vote Supports Referendum for Fee Increase
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Mar 4, 2012, 0 Comments
Courtesy Steve Harmon,
A slim majority of Texas A&M International University students have voted their support for a referendum that will make possible the expansion of the Student Center. The final tally after the three-day election was 119 in favor and 98 opposed.
Under the new projected fee structure, students would see an increase in tuition and fees of $149.95 for a full 15-hour load in the 2012-13 academic year. An in-State student taking a full-time load of 15 hours would see a rise in tuition and fees from $3,279.15 to $3,429.10.
2013-2014 tuition and fees would increase an additional $150.00 from $3,429.10 to $3,579.10 for the same 15-hour load.
The tuition and fees change is still subject to the approval of The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, later this Spring.
Fees and increases are being proposed at most campuses in the A&M System in light of deep budget cuts enacted by the State Legislature. At TAMIU, the University saw an 18% reduction in its overall budget, or a $9.2 million loss.
TAMIU president Dr. Ray Keck said the approval by student voters is substantial, especially during challenging economic times.
“No one wants to raise tuition and fees, but the reality of our time is that with budget cuts, we are now being funded at a level that does not adequately serve our 65% enrollment growth since 2005. We are thankful to the students for their support of their University. We remain optimistic that our State’s leadership will recognize TAMIU’s strengths and accomplishments and continue to realize the transformative importance of higher education here and throughout our State, and help us return to optimal funding levels,” Dr. Keck explained.
At nearby Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, an increase of 6.6 percent, or $230.00 for a 15-hour load, is planned, along with a referendum to expand its Student Union and support women’s soccer.
In addition to the tuition and feeincreases, the TAMIU Student Center fee would increase by $3 per semester credit hour. The fee for a full-time 15-hour load would be $45.00. The funds generated would enable the construction of a two-story addition connecting north and south sides of the Student Center across the east end patio.
The Student Center addition’s second floor would house a large, open computer lounge for students. The first floor would add seating to Dusty’s Diner and move Dusty’s Den, a student game room, downstairs with a separate entrance and restrooms.
The existing patio would be enclosed on four sides, but remain open from above, allowing for shaded outdoor events. The Student Center was constructed in 2002 when the University’s student population numbered about 3,300. A renovation in 2011 expanded dining space to accommodate the University’s mushrooming enrollment, which exceeded 7,000 students last fall.
Prior to the online vote, students attended three public hearings on the proposedchanges.
Last year, a proposed Athletics Fee increase failed in a student vote.
Online registration for the University’s Maymester, Summer Sessions and Fall 2012 begins April 2 via Uonline at t tamiu.edu. Maymester begins May 14. Summer Session I classes start June 4. Summer Session II and III classes begin July 9. The Fall Semester 2012 begins Aug. 23.
For additional information, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 326.2250 or email registrar@tamiu.edu
More information is available at www.tamiu.edu and on the University’s social sites on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Download a free TAMIU smartphone and tablet app at www.tamiu.edu
