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SOU's budget: More 'wait and see for us' By AMBER FOSSEN Ashland Daily Tidings With $686 million in general funds allocated for the state university system, Southern Oregon University is awaiting announcement of its share. "The actual allocation to the institutions would have to be reviewed by the State Board of Education," said Ron Bolstad, SOU vice president of administration and finance. "Yesterday they told me they had received the budget and were beginning to pore over the numbers." An $11.6 billion state budget was signed by Gov. Ted Kulongoski Wednesday and the amount set aside for higher education stands at $53 million less than the system's 2001-03 budget following last year's spending cuts. SOU cut $4.4 million from its 2001-03 budget by freezing vacant positions, reducing faculty, reducing course offerings and limiting other expenditures. The university also passed surcharges, altered its tuition plateau and raised tuition. From fall term 2002 to 2003, tuition will see a 16 percent increase with 2003 tuition surcharges figured into the base. SOU will still offer an affordability pool, providing additional financial aid to students unable to afford increases, according to university officials. The state Board of Higher Education has approved tuition and fee increases totaling as much as 39 percent at some universities next winter term. According to the Oregon University System, in 1999, 49 percent of most university budgets were made up of student tuition and fees. That figure could be as high as 64 percent this fall. SOU President Elisabeth Zinser will discuss the rising costs of higher education on NOW with Bill Moyers tonight. Bolstad said university officials are unable to speculate what the university's share of the state budget will be. Bolstad also said it is too early to tell what, if any, additional cuts will be made. The state board will meet Sept. 19 to discuss allocating funds to OUS's seven institutions. Bolstad said school officials expect to be notified in the up coming weeks. "It's a wait and see for us." Zinser on NOW with Bill Moyers tonight Southern Oregon University President Elisabeth Zinser will appear on NOW with Bill Moyers at 9 p.m. tonight on Southern Oregon Public Television Channel 8. Zinser will talk with NOW's David Brancaccio about Oregon budget cuts and their impact on higher education. Across the nation, severe cuts in funding for primary and high schools as well as for state colleges and universities is evident in classrooms. According to Zinser, Oregon's public colleges will be more expensive than ever to get a degree. The interview will air tonight in addition to 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. Saturday and on the Educational-access Channel 33 at 7 p.m. Sept. 4 and again at 7 p.m. Sept. 5. LINKS: DAILY TIDINGS: Main | News | Sports | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. OTHER: Road Cams Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -