Promises and tuition on the line
For students enrolled in 2004, the Truth in Tuition plan locked in their tuition for four years. On Feb. 7, approval of proposed tuition increases for the '08-'09 school year goes before the Board of Trustees. Students who have not graduated yet face a proposed 25 percent increase in tuition. Those here before 2004 face tuition increases as well.
A report from Enrollment Services states that since 2003, freshmen enrollment has dropped 15.4 percent. Mark Wilcockson, Vice President of Finance and Administration, said in the Dec. 4, 2007 edition of the Independent, that the decline in enrollment "was definitely factored in the decision for the tuition increase." Given the frustrations students face trying to get into required classes that are already full, why would someone stay at NEIU if they can't get the classes they need to graduate? Strictly from a public relations standpoint, these are some of the challenges that the newly-created position of Vice President of Advancement faces. Carla A. Knorowski will be in charge of public affairs, alumni relations, and fundraising. I can understand why it's hard pulling resources from alumni when becoming a graduate of NEIU doesn't seem to come easy these days. While the new position of "Vice President of Advancement" sounds great, how exactly will it play out in real life? There are roadblocks there that shouldn't be that can easily be resolved with some initiative on the part of the administration. While we're not expecting any miracles, let's see if Dr. Knorowski can deliver on her many promises.
Meanwhile, the Illinois General Assembly passed legislation that supposedly holds institutions accountable for reducing the price of textbooks for students. The bill, "Higher Education Textbook Costs" states that institutions "shall undertake measures to reduce the cost of textbooks to students." Exactly what "measures" the university can take is unclear. It can't force Beck's to lower book prices, so what's the point? It's just another nice-sounding yet meaningless piece of legislation. Of course, it's not in the interests of Beck's to keep prices down. They're there to make money. No way around that. They are a business after all. It just seems that students get screwed over even more when newer editions of textbooks come out that have very few revisions. SGA used to have a book exchange program that was meant as a viable alternative to Beck's. So, whatever happened to that?
Some students make flyers in hopes that someone who just happens to need the exact same textbook calls regarding the book. More creative teachers put together their own classroom readers. Of course, students would still have to purchase them, but for a significantly lower price.
Sometimes, there's no avoiding buying a textbook from Beck's. I figured I might as well pay for the books I need now instead of waiting a week or more to get them at a cheaper price online. I didn't want to fall behind on required readings. I'd be lucky if the library even had them. There was no guarantee. Then again, few things are around here.
Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly
Recent neiuindependent News Articles
Discuss This Article
GET TOP STORIES DELIVERED WEEKLY
FOLLOW OUR NEWSPAPER
LATEST NEIUINDEPENDENT NEWS
RECENT NEIUINDEPENDENT CLASSIFIEDS
OUTSIDE THE LINES
- Clean Your Air: Six Ways To Manage Allergens
- Tips For Improving Mental Health
- New Writers and Illustrators Win Decades-Old Science...
- Moving Resources For Military Families
- Historic Agreement Signed By Red Cross and Armed Forces
- Salonpas® Brand Stands the Test of Time
- Tips to “Yard Your Way” This Spring
- Upgraded Upstate Power Grid Will Deliver a Smarter,...
- A Story To Sing About
- The Gap in Gum Care: Why Caring For Your Teeth’s F...
FROM AROUND THE WEB
- BookTrib’s Bites: Jump into Spring with These Four Reads
- The Untold Story of GoDaddy Founder’s Traumatic Life a...
- La Semana del Aprendizaje Juvenil destaca las oportunidades
- BookTrib's Bites: Four Captivating Spring Reads
- Moms Kick Back with Mamaritas
- Generac Urges Americans to Prepare for Power Outages Early
- Youth Apprenticeship Week Spotlights Opportunities
- New Expo Showcases AI Innovation
- Self-Care and Mental Health Tips for Caregivers
- Adventure Awaits: Discover the Playset that Brings...
COLLEGE PRESS RELEASES
- NOW Available: Comcast Launches NOW Brand Prepaid Internet and Mobile Services Nationwide
- Guidenar Launches New Career Test for Gen Z
- GotIt! Education Offers MathGPT Free to All State & Community Colleges
- Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show
- Semiconductor Research Corp unveils 2024 Research Call, $13.8M Funding