UTPA proposes tuition increases to benefit student services
Students at The University of Texas-Pan American will benefit from added faculty and staff members, as well as more technology-equipped classrooms through revenues generated by proposed changes to the cost of attendance at UTPA.
The University recently announced proposed changes to tuition and fees for the next two academic years that include increasing the designated tuition rate from $46 to $66 per semester credit hour (SCH) effective fall 2006 and from $66 to $82 per SCH effective fall 2007.
With the increases, an undergraduate student taking 15 semester credit hours will pay an additional $341.50 starting fall 2006 and an additional $255.60 in fall 2007.
The proposal also promotes timely graduation by charging an additional designated tuition fee of $125 per semester credit hour to resident undergraduate students for excess credit hours since the legislature does not provide funding for excess hours.
UTPA proposes to use the funds raised by the tuition increase to address undergraduate access and success, enhancement of graduate education and research, and improvement of organizational effectiveness.
Specifically, the new revenue will allow the University to hire more than 80 faculty members in the two year period starting fall 2006. As the University increases the responsibility of faculty to be engaged in research and scholarly activities, Dr. Rodolfo Arévalo, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, said the change will require a reduction in the number of teaching assignments the faculty are required to have, so they may have more time to develop research agendas.
"At the same time, the University will continue to make sure that students have access to the courses they need to complete their degrees in a timely fashion by hiring additional faculty members," Arévalo said.
The additional revenue will also be used toward enhancing and developing master's programs in engineering management, chemistry, physician assistant studies, creative writing and doctoral programs in rehabilitation counseling and manufacturing engineering, among others.
Increases will also cover a rise in annual utility costs, as well as ensure classrooms are equipped with appropriate technology. This year, students and faculty were able to reap the benefits from the installation of "Smart Classroom" technology into 32 classrooms in 10 separate buildings on campus. Smart or technology-enhanced classrooms include a teaching station, networked computer, LCD projector with screen, touch screen control system, VCR/DVD, loud speakers, document camera and an input for a laptop computer. These classrooms were the first phase of a project to equip a minimum of 90 classrooms with enhanced technology within the next two years.
The proposal also provides for need-based financial assistance set-asides which are estimated to total $1.8 million for the academic year beginning fall 2006 and approximately $3 million beginning fall 2007. In addition to Pell Grants, UTPA administers a broad range of financial aid programs which total $85 million a year. These programs include Retention Scholarships, a University Scholars Program, and an Emergency Loan Program, among others.
"We need to keep in mind that even after the increases we have proposed, UTPA will remain as one of the lowest cost institutions in the state of Texas," James Langabeer, vice president for Business Affairs, said. "Additional financial aid will be available to truly needy students."
The proposal was recently submitted to the UT System Board of Regents after a lengthy consultation process by UTPA's Cost of Education Committee (COEC) – consisting of nine students, two faculty members and six staff members. For several months the COEC reviewed all fee proposals and developed a recommendation for designated tuition rates. The tuition proposal was then submitted to staff and faculty senates, the UTPA Parent-Family Association, and approximately 25 student organizations on campus to solicit feedback, as well as explained during two public forums held on campus. Finally, the COEC's proposal was reviewed by University administrators and the proposed designated tuition rates were further reduced after cost-saving cuts were identified.
Student Government Association President Edward Adrian Sandoval said it was important for students to be involved in the process because the decision will ultimately affect them.
"UTPA is undertaking an ideological change and is shifting toward maturing as an institution, which will benefit all of the community," he said. Sandoval said he was glad students were given the opportunity to participate in discourse about the proposal and allowed to articulate their opinions as equals.
"I think the decision of the administration is one which was considerate of the student position. It (the proposal) calls for increases in which we allow UTPA to take steps toward maturing into an even greater place, while only making the most absolute necessary increases," he said. "I am thankful the administration took this route because I feel it is the best course of action available."
The proposal is subject to review and change by the UT System Board of Regents.