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RCC's tuition, fees will increase College board approves first reading of a resolution raising $725,000 annually By DAMIAN MANN Mail Tribune Rogue Community College plans to increase student fees by $725,000 annually to partially offset budget cuts and to pay for technology upgrades. A student taking 12 credits would see a combination of tuition and fees rise from $567 to $637 a quarter, a 12 percent increase. RCC's board this week approved the first reading of a resolution that creates a new $2-a-credit technology fee and also increased registration fees. "This is the first time in our history that we've had a technology fee," said Tom Bradbeer, dean of human resources. The fee hikes follow a decision to raise tuition by 18 percent over the next four years. Student leader Erica Rivero said, "When other students see it as you are going to charge more, they say, 'Whoa.' But when you educate them, they understand why." Although they may not like it, Rivero said, most students understand the economic plight of RCC and how it affects them in the classroom, especially after budget cuts last year resulted in fewer program offerings. "We can't cut any more of our classes and be able to get through the programs in the time allotted," she said. Bradbeer said that issue helped determine the board's action. "We have heard that message loud and clear from our students," he said. A combination of fees will generate $400,000 annually as a way the college can partially offset pending budget cuts and keep programs intact. RCC faces expected reductions of about $1.2 million, but that will depend on how the state handles an $815 million shortfall. Legislators and the governor were unable to reach a budget agreement in a special session that ended earlier this week. In addition to the fee increase, Bradbeer said, the school plans to trim administrative staff and will look at other ways to make reductions. "We're going to do all we can to avoid program cuts," he said. The new technology fee that applies to credit and noncredit courses will raise another $325,000 annually to pay for upgrades to computers and other equipment used by students. Next year tuition will increase to $49 a credit from the current $47. Tuition at RCC remains among the highest in the state, but students at other community colleges, overall, pay more for a combination of fees and tuition, said Bradbeer. The registration fee, previously $3 a quarter, would be a minimum of $5 and a maximum of $25 for students who take six or more credits. A basic skills fee for GED and ESL courses would increase from $12 a term to $15. High school students who want to attend RCC previously had a flat fee of $15, but would now have to pay $10 a credit. RCC President Rick Levine said tuition and fees combined amount to only a portion of what it takes to run the college. "Students pay for about 20 percent of their education," he said Also, 50 percent of students receive financial aid reimbursements for their education, said Levine. Nevertheless, it was a tough decision to increase the fees, he said. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.