Cut Backs and Tuition Caps: Tennessee Higher Education puts pain on Students’ Wallets

Johnson City, Tenn.—Education continues to feel the pain of the recession. After Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen made massive budget cuts, education systems are figuring out where to scrimp on spending, or raise money. Major financial decisions for higher education in the state were made today at the Tennessee Board of Regents meeting. Some decisions came easier than others.
    Chancellor Charles Manning wants the board to keep a positive attitude for change, and to find a way to “teach more students with less revenue.“ Before this fiscal year, the state had originally allocated money for the 45 Regent schools. Now, they’re not giving all of it out. Today, the board approved a budget change to accommodate less money.
    The 2009-2010 budget will see 10-15 percent reductions based on higher utilities and other costs.
    Regent schools will have another year to use funds allocated from the Technology Access Fees. This year was supposed to be the last to use that funding.
    Among other items, the most controversial debate led to getting rid of the twelve-hour cap on tuition. This means that starting next fall, full-time students who are used to paying for twelve hours, and being allowed to take more credits, will have to pay per extra credit. Student Regent, Gionni Carr hoped to post-pone the vote, to inform students about the changes.
    Most majors require 120 hours to complete. To do that in four years, students need fifteen credits each semester - not just twelve. This basically means that students will almost certainly be paying for more credits, on top of their tuition.
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