Katie Ward, Staff Writer

An expected increase in student fees was presented by Vice Chancellor of Student Development Gregory S. Blimling to the Student Government Association in their last meeting of the semester, Tuesday.

General student fees are an important source of income for the University.  Therefore, Blimling said, the anticipated five percent increase is necessary to the university.

Student fees provide funding for several areas, including educational and technological needs, athletics, student activities, residence halls and charges related to the liquidation of debt.

This increase does not affect ASU’s overall value to students, Blimling said. “Appalachian State is very cost effective. Our fees are pretty low compared to other schools in the university system,” he said.

Appalachian  students’ total tuition bill, including fees, room and board and book rental, will increase $219.   In-state students currently pay $4,848, but can expect to pay $5,067 next year.
Out-of-state students will also experience an increase of $219, bumping their tuition bill to $12,195.

The state provides $6,000 per full-time, in-state student.  However, no money is provided for out-of-state students.  Therefore, the $7,128 out of state additive is required to offset the cost of education.

Blimling said a $5 increase per student can be expected for educational and technological fees.  This money is used to fulfill educational needs such as creating and updating teaching and computer labs.

Athletics will also receive a $5 increase.  According to Blimling, this is due in part to a raise in staff salaries, which are dictated by the state.
Although Health Services will not experience an increase, students will still bear the brunt of the deficit.  Beginning next fall, students will be required to pay a flat fee for all prescriptions received through the infirmary.

The University averages providing 170,000 prescriptions per year. A flat fee will help alleviate some of the expense, according to Blimling.  Students will be able to charge prescriptions to their accounts.

A rise of $22 can be expected for the overall student activities budget;  $18 of the increase will be used by recreational services so that they may break even in their budget.

The remaining $4 has been designated for maintaining the student union.

As a result of the new steam plant, the student union is responsible for purchasing steam, which has been reflected in the deficit.
Additional money is allotted for maintaining and updating programs provided by the Student Union.

On-campus residents face a $120 increase in housing costs.  The majority of the money has already been reserved for a new residence hall.  According to Blimling, students can expect to see a hall eventually constructed below Mountaineer Apartments.

Although students pay $870 per semester for housing, Appalachian State is 12th lowest in housing rates within the North Carolina system, Blimling said.

Any remaining money from on-campus residents will assist in the installation of a new $500,000 elevator in Doughton Residence Hall.

The standard option meal plan will climb $62 to cover the rise in food cost and employee salaries.

Although the increase will not settle well with all students, according to Blimling Appalachian’s food services received the highest rating in the state.

The book rental fee is expected to increase by $4.  This reflects an overall increase in book costs.

The current policy prohibits paperbacks from going under rental, but a previous survey revealed that 97 percent of students were satisfied with the present rental policy, Blimling said.

“The book rental policy was never meant to cover every book, rather to prevent students from having to purchase the more expensive books,” he said.

Blimling closed by addressing the question of growth in student population.

Although the university attempts to increase by no more than 50 students per year, this figure is not always feasible.

“The top administration at this university does not want ASU to grow.  However, we have an obligation to increase,” Blimling said.

Following Blimling’s report, Student Body President Fernando Little delivered his State of the University Address to the Student Senate.
Entitled “On the Road to Restoration,” his address encompassed the successes of the SGA.

“I am nothing but impressed with the dedication and commitment of the senators,” Little said.  “If this level of dedication is maintained next semester, we will have had a great year.”

Having completed seven of eight platform goals, Little took some time to reiterate the SGA’s accomplishments.

He boasted on the success of several programs, including “Breakfast with Borkowski,” Mountaineer Maniacs, and Homecoming.

Little also took a moment to discuss “opportunities” or areas of improvement.  He hopes that the Senate can continue to represent the students, pass needed legislation, increase voter turnout and to  “foster and cultivate Appalachian State spirit.”
 
 
 

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