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MSU reduces spring student surcharge
October 30, 2002 -- Carol Schmidt
Bozeman--A larger than expected fall enrollment at Montana State University will mean a smaller than planned tuition surcharge for students enrolling spring semester, MSU officials said today.
That means MSU students will pay up to $18 less for a 12-credit load in the spring semester, or a total surcharge of $157.80 for 12 credits.
MSU officials said that revenue from this fall's surcharge was larger than expected or budgeted for because of a record enrollment, and they think that it's only right that students should be rewarded with a reduced surcharge.
"Returning a portion of the surcharge is the right and fair thing to do," said MSU President Geoffrey Gamble. "Naturally, I'm pleased that it is a record enrollment that has allowed us to be in a position to make the return."
Craig Roloff, MSU vice president of financial affairs, explained that the student tuition surcharge was calculated this summer following two state budget reductions. The surcharge was set within a Montana Board of Regents guideline that no more than 50 percent of the mandated budget reduction could be recovered from students. So, to cover the shortfall in state funds the university tapped reserve funds, withdrew commitments to major maintenance funding and the university's top executive officers reduced their operating budgets.
But then MSU's fall enrollment came in at a record 11,934 students.
"Our fall semester enrollment was greater than we anticipated in our budget plans, and as a result, our fall semester surcharge revenue was greater than expected," Roloff said. "Based on history, and all other factors, we will have more students on campus in the spring than we expected -- and our total surcharge revenue will be more than originally budgeted unless we reduce our rate."
Roloff said the administration believes the students should benefit.
"We believe that we have an agreement with the Regents, and with our students, to recover no more than 50 percent of our fiscal year '03 budget reduction through the imposition of the tuition surcharge," Roloff said.
"I believe that Montana State University holds the interests of students as priority number one," said Trevor Blyth, president of the Associated Students of Montana State University (ASMSU). "This is a great example of that and speaks well for our university."
Contact: Craig Roloff (406) 994-4361
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