The student government leaders from the three state universities pleaded their case against the proposed tuition increase once again today. The State Board of Regents is considering an 18-and-a-half percent increase. Iowa State University student body President Andrew Tofilin spoke to the Regents today at their meeting in Ames.
He says the increase is catastrophic and could end the dream of some students of getting a degree. Teflon asked the regents to cut the increase.
He asked that tuition only be raised 15-point-five percent. Nick Klenske is the leader of the University of Iowa student government. Klenske asked the regents to review the issue and think about a set tuition rate that stays the same until a student graduates.
He says students and parents need a stable tuition rate, and a set tuition rate would make it easier for students to budget, while still providing money to the universities. The president of the University of Northern Iowa student government made yet another appeal to the board. Adam Birdell asked that the inflation portion of the tuition increase be lowered.
He wants to see the inflation increase done over a two-year period, so it would only be raised seven-point-five percent this year compared to nine-point-five percent. Birdell, like his counterparts, says the move would ease the blow on students.
The Board of Regents heard the students requests, but did not comment. They’ll take a final vote on the proposed tuition increase at their meeting next month.
