The UNC system’s Board of Governors’ plan to persuade the N.C. General Assembly to repeal the out-of-state tuition increase is a lofty goal. However, it is still an admirable plan that should see support from students and student government.
The tuition increase is an inefficient solution that could prove to be detrimental to the system moving forward. With an 18 percent cap on out-of-state undergraduate student enrollment and in-state tuition freezes, the 12.3 percent tuition increase for out-of-staters does little to quell budget shortages.
The increase could also pose a significant hindrance to universities’ abilities to draw in talented out-of-state prospective students.
UNC-CH Student Body President-elect Andrew Powell and the cabinet that he will assemble should look to assist the board in its efforts to lobby the General Assembly sooner rather than later.
Current Student Body President Christy Lambden did the University a major service when he created the position of the Director of State and External Relations. Powell has promised to bolster support for this critical position and other lobbying efforts.
Students should hold Powell, his cabinet and especially the new Director of State and External Relations to this promise. As the University enters this crucial time, this support will be extremely critical.
Traditionally, the legislature has listened to the board in implementing tuition hikes — and for good reason. The board has the relationships with University administrators and the know-how needed to properly assess these sorts of matters.
The board obviously has great influence in the General Assembly, but there is no reason student voices should not be some of loudest ringing through the capital’s halls.
