In a continued effort to close an economic gap created by a weak economy and more cuts from the state, Lander University's Board of Trustees approved a 3.95 percent tuition increase for the 2011-12 academic year.
This increase is contingent upon the state government's approval of additional money for South Carolina technical colleges and universities. If the legislature does not approve the additional appropriations, which are to be awarded from the capital reserve fund, the board approved a measure that would change the tuition increase to 6 percent.
The increase of 3.95 percent means full-time, undergraduate students from South Carolina will pay about $360 more per year to attend the state university, bringing annual tuition for this group of students to $9,504. Out-of-state students will see their tuition increase from $17,304 per year to $17,976. Housing fees will increase by 5 percent and food service fees will increase by 4.40 percent.
Lander received a 5 percent cut in state appropriations for the upcoming fiscal year.
"Unfortunately, with continued budget cuts and rising costs, such increases are the only way we can maintain a balanced budget," said Lander President Dr. Daniel Ball. "The decision to raise university tuition and fees is never an easy one to make. Lander staff and administration work very hard to ensure these increases are minimal."
In addition to focusing on university tuition and fees, members of Lander's Board of Trustees received various updates regarding campus construction projects and student and faculty successes during their quarterly meeting in June.
Among the highlights was news that 500 students have participated in 1,026 activities as part of the university's Experience Your Education (EYE) program, Lander's experiential education initiative. Additionally, 48 students received the Golden EYE Award during the university's May commencement ceremonies for completing 120 credits or more as part of the program.
Lander's study abroad program also experienced an active year, with 13 students spending full semesters studying at institutions in the United Kingdom, Japan and Spain. In addition, four Lander students will attend a three-week international summer session at Dong-A University in South Korea as part of the university international initiative.
Board members also received an update on the progress of the Jeff May Complex, which is scheduled to open this fall, and an overview of Lander's new campus master plan, which is in its final stages of development.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Board of Trustees member Raymond Hunt of Chapin, a '90 Lander alumnus, was elected to a second term as chair of the board. Also elected for another term were board chair-elect Maurice Holloway, a '78 Lander alumnus, and board secretary/treasurer Jack Lawrence.