One thing came out of the recent public forums and Board of Trustees meetings regarding tuition increases: Both administrators and students appeared uncommitted to each other. That should serve as a lesson to both sides.
The Board of Trustees approved a budget that increases tuition for in-state students by 4.8 percent for 2005-06 and 5.5 percent for 2006-07. The vote followed a public forum that fewer than 10 students attended.
While that forum and vote did come on May 13, during summer break, it was clear before then that administrators and students didn't want to work together.
On the other hand, administrators wanted to satisfy a law that requires public forums -- not satisfy the students, but the law. They probably couldn't have satisfied the students unless the forum ended with a trustee member throwing his hands to the sky and proclaiming that never again would Ball State students need to fear a rise in tuition.
But tuition hikes will never stop. Budget shortfalls will never stop and neither will ways to erase them.
There is a way to make students feel better about tuition increases, though, kind of like how a doctor can talk with the patient about a procedure before it begins. The doctor might not be sincere and might just be following protocol, but the patient feels like the doctor really wants to ease any of his fears or concerns before he goes under the knife. Even though it's still scary and the patient will still dread the surgery, the doctor can make the whole process a bit less painful with simple conversation -- and so can administrators. In other words, it's all in the approach.
Students, however, argue that they didn't feel they could make a difference no matter what they said or did. But that's not a good excuse, and if students truly care, they need to be involved -- especially if they're going to complain after the fact.
If only we knew what would have happened with both sides communicating better. There would probably still be a tuition increase of about the same amount, but maybe both sides would feel better about it.
In the coming months, students and administrators will have many opportunities to work with each other. The school is searching for a vice president of marketing, communications and enrollment management and has already scheduled public forums for both of the candidates.
Public forums. That means students, faculty, staff and anyone who is able to enter the room is welcome.
This is the first of three big administrative replacements that will come this summer or fall.
If both sides become committed now and get used to using public forums to talk to and work with each other, maybe two years from now -- when the next tuition increase will be up for discussion -- maybe everyone will leave the table happier.
At least give it a try and see what working closer can accomplish.
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