Tuition and increase are two words no Ball State University student wants to hear in the same sentence. Tuition increases are a rite of passage Ball State students take in stride, but only when the money tuition hikes bring in is used to fund valuable changes students care about.
Ball State administrators need to apply valuable lessons learned from past successes to ensure the tuition increases for the next two years benefit those responsible for picking up the tab: the students.
In 2003, the university implemented a $1,000 increase in tuition for incoming freshman to help lessen the blow of state budget cuts. Not surprisingly, the action stirred debate about what the increase would accomplish and whether or not it was necessary. Four years later, numerous construction projects are underway, the university is known as the "most unwired" in the nation and the general outlook for the university is promising - all accomplishments that were no doubt helped along by extra money in the budget.
An increase of $1,000 in tuition every year would be ill-advised at best, but continuing to use money for improvements students care about is a must. The board has already voted to allocate some of the extra money to increase employee pay. Providing money to ensure Ball State has the best instructors around isn't as flashy as new iPods for everyone enrolled in the university, but it's still a step students will benefit from nonetheless.
Student opinion should be a major factor in deciding what to do with the funds from increased tuition. Even simple projects, like the long-awaited and oft-promised installation of security cameras in campus parking lots, would prove the university is spending students' money well.
Students will never embrace tuition increases with open arms, but they might not be so opposed to them if projects that keep student opinion in mind are funded.
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