IDAHO FALLS - The Idaho State Board of Education approved tuition and fees for the 2005 to 2006 academic year with increases ranging from 2.96 to 10 percent, depending upon the institution.
The Board listened to extensive testimony by students and university and college administrators. Many of student leaders supported their administration’s requests and said the increases would preserve programs and offer service enhancements.
Idaho students will pay annual fees as follows: $3,872 (10 percent increase) at BSU, $4,000 (8.11 percent increase) at ISU, $3,714 (9.5 percent increase) at LCSC, $3,968 (9.25 percent increase) at University of Idaho, and $1,532 (2.96 percent) at Eastern Idaho Technical College. Institution presidents noted that Idaho’s costs will continue to be below the national and regional average. Board members complimented students and administration on the process and cooperation demonstrated in their efforts to develop fee recommendations.
This was the first time the Board set student tuition fees versus student fees thanks to a new Idaho State Law. With support from the State Board of Education, the Legislature overwhelmingly voted to allow Boise State University, Idaho State University and Lewis-Clark State College to charge tuition fees. Prior to the change in state law, Idaho’s institutions could not use the student’s contribution to pay for instructional costs like professor salaries. Institutions now have the ability to better utilize the students’ contribution to meet institutional needs. Changing to a tuition system would require a Constitutional amendment at UI.
In other State Board of Education business, the Board:
Approved ISU Head Football Coach Larry Lewis’ four-year contract as well as David Chichester’s contract as the interim Vice President of Finance and Administration for UI.
Agreed to BSU’s design concept for its 77,000 square feet indoor practice facility. Several groups including the marching band, cheerleaders, and the dance team will utilize the facility. Construction is expected to begin in June on the $9.5 million building.
Approved ISU’s request to develop a Request for Proposal (RFP) to design and construct a new aquatic center at Reed Gym and ISU’s request to exchange 1.5 city blocks with Varsity Square, LLC.
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