UVM

[Carolyn Branagan]

This past weekend the University of Vermont Trustees held their regular May meeting.  Outside, the weather improved all weekend while families, students and University personnel prepared for graduation, but inside around the Board table the atmosphere was  heavy.  It was the most difficult meeting by far of any in my tenure.

One of the reasons was the proposed 5.8%  increase in tuition. The recession has hit the families of UVM students hard. Because family incomes have declined, many more  of  our students require financial aid. I have really struggled with this budget. While  I  understand the need for more financial aid, continued large  tuition  increases are  not sustainable. Before the vote I amended the motion to require the fiscal people to bring to the Board at our October meeting a plan to slow growth in tuition. I feel this is essential  in order to make sure a university education is affordable for all students who  seek it.  I was delighted when my motion was approved unanimously

The 5.8% increase breaks down like this:  4%  will go to the increase need for financial aid;  .8%  makes up for loss of a one time appropriation;  and 1%  helps offset increased expenditures. UVM Salaries are budgeted at 0%  increase. 

I look forward to the October plan.

Rep.  Carolyn Branagan

[David Shea]

Carol,

It doesn't take a Ph D to figure out why the cost at UVM are going up.  The new student center, Jefford's building, student housing next to living and learning, these are the obvious over the top expenditures.  I am sure there are many more...

I was a sales rep on campus for 5 years and can tell you for a fact that the problems on campus run deep.

[JLB]

Thank you Carolyn for all your efforts.    It is much appreciated.

I have 3 boys entering college Fall 2012, 2014 and 2017.   

It is tough.