(See related story SGA Members Left Out of Tuition Decision)
by Staci J. Sessler
A tuition and standard fee increase will add approximately $350,000 to the IVCC General Fund and the Auxiliary Fund next year.
Tuition has been raised to $55 per credit hour starting with the summer session.
The increase, which includes a $3 tuition increase, bringing it up to $48, and a $2 standard fee increase, bringing fees to $7, was approved at the February 17,1999 meeting.
The increase was approved because of the need to maintain a balanced budget, according to College President Dr. Jean Goodnow.
"Even more importantly," she said, "so we can maintain the high quality of instruction IVCC is known for."
Goodnow said that they "anticipate the tuition increase will add $210,000 to the General Fund next year and the Standard Fee increase will generate an estimated $140,000 for technology and computer enhancements."
"Our income comes from primarily three sources," said Goodnow, "one third tuition, one third state funding, and one third local property taxes."
She said that IVCC’s General Fund tax levy, the part that is paid through property taxes, has remained "constant for more than 30 years at 17 cents."
"It is one of the lowest General Fund levies in the state."
In order to keep up with inflation, Goodnow said that they will consider tuition increases if necessary.
"We will never lose sight of our mission: maintaining quality education at affordable prices," said Goodnow.
At this point, the board is not planning any referendums to increase the local tax rate, according to Goodnow.
March 15, 1999 the Apache