This fall, UH is asking for an additional $9 million to help escalate itself to flagship status.
During these tough economic times, student tuition will rise 3.95 percent, an average increase of $131 per 12 credit hours.
This increase was approved June 23 by the UH System Board of Regents. It will be carried out through the entire UH System, making it an increase of 3.98 percent for the entire System.
This decision has been met with some animosity from students, including members of Student Government Association, which has spoken out against the tuition increase.
This hike is not an unreasonable request of the students, and it must be paid regardless of how students feel. Paying faculty and staff more is not a poor business strategy.
Better pay for the faculty will help retain professors. Plus, it will make UH more competitive with other research universities, such as Texas A&M University and the University of Texas. This will have a trickle-down effect, improving other staff positions too.
Having a better faculty and staff will improve UH’s reputation, an important aspect of obtaining flagship status. This improvement in the University’s reputation could prove the increase is a reasonable request.
On the other hand, this is a good decision only if students see immediate benefits.
Considering this additional $9 million doesn’t guarantee that UH will become a top research institute or improve its reputation at all, students’ hostility toward the increase may be well founded. Students have the right to see where their money is going and how these programs benefit them.
If there are no immediate benefits to students, the fears will have been warranted. In the fall, UH could be the same school it is now – only more expensive. It will still have a small amount of parking spots and a decent amount of construction, which may not be completed until after we all graduate.
Travis Hensley is a philosophy senior and may be reached at [email protected]
