Fellow K-Staters,
With finals week just days away, we hope you have a very productive “dead week.” Last night’s downpour probably changed plans for quite a few of you but we are confident you were able to make the best of your situation and get some studying done.
The Tuition and Fees Strategy Committee has been at work all semester to make recommendations to President Schulz regarding tuition, fees and surcharges. As of last Wednesday, the committee recommended a $15 per credit hour surcharge on classes in the College of Business Administration and the College of Engineering. The surcharges were recommended to allow for additional funds for faculty and staff expenses.
The College of Business Administration was recommended the surcharge by a vote of 8-4; while the College of Engineering was recommended the surcharge by a vote of 11-1.
As many of you might already know, K-State is currently experiencing record enrollment numbers. With an increase in student numbers, it’s important for college courses to ensure all students get the attention they need to succeed. Each of these recommendations is related to the committee’s focus on faculty to student or adviser to student ratios that can affect an academic program’s accreditation. The surcharge on the credit hours will allow the colleges to hire talented, qualified staff to ensure K-State students get the best out of their tuition expenses.
I am also proud to announce that we have got the ball rolling on the Open Textbook Initiative, one of our main platforms. Last week we had a very encouraging meeting with stakeholders involved in the platform and secured another round of stipends to encourage faculty to develop free resources and offer them as alternates to physical textbooks. We also came away from the meeting with some quality action-items that we will help us expand the program moving forward.
Lastly, we would like to recognize and congratulate all graduating seniors. We are proud to call you part of our family and know you will go on to achieve great things. For the rest of the student body, we wish you best wishes and safe travels in everything you do this summer. We are already looking forward to welcoming you back in the fall.
Good luck and go ‘Cats,
Andy Hurtig, student body president
Joe Tinker, student body vice president