Students support differential tuition at UW-Stevens Point
11/13/2015
 

Students at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point have overwhelmingly voted in favor of differential tuition. 

Sixty-two percent of students voting in an online referendum held Nov. 11-12 said “yes.” 

Differential tuition will be used to support student success in two vital areas: adding instructors to relieve bottlenecks in high-demand courses so students can graduate on time; and creating a new academic advising model that is more responsive to student needs in each of the four colleges. 

A total of 3,308 students voted, more than double the turnout of any previous student vote. In 2014, 1,540 students voted in a referendum on building new health and wellness facilities, the previous high. 

Katie Cronmiller, president of the Student Government Association, which led the educational campaign on differential tuition, known as The Pointer Partnership, was elated. “We are all overwhelmed with the student turnout and incredibly proud of all of the work everyone put in to educate students,” she said. “I am hopeful the implementation of the Pointer Partnership will have a lasting, positive impact on this university for students.” 

The UW Board of Regents will next consider differential tuition when it meets in December. If approved, it could be implemented by the fall 2016 semester.  

“It was a decisive win for our students and an excellence example of shared governance in action,” said Chancellor Bernie Patterson. 

The proposal calls for students to pay an additional $200 per semester.  The additional fee would be used exclusively for adding academic advisers and instructors in high-demand required courses. Differential tuition will be phased in for upperclassmen. Seniors would pay nothing the first year and $100 the second year. 

Ten other UW universities have differential tuition, most at higher levels. UW-La Crosse students pay $643, and UW-Eau Claire students pay $531 each semester. 

“This added support, directly to UW-Stevens Point, will truly be transformational to our university and our students’ success,” Patterson said. 

“It has been a remarkable and inspiring experience to witness the campus engaging in this discussion,” Cronmiller said in announcing the results to students this morning. “Thanks especially to our students for educating themselves, learning more about the issues, asking insightful questions and ultimately voting in this direct student referendum.” 

“The results will move us toward a model that begins to level the playing field with other UW campuses. Most importantly, it helps ensure our true mission – student success,” Patterson said to faculty and staff. 


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Article Tags

Admissions; CPS; COLS; CNR; COFAC; Alumni; Chancellor