ASG Positive About Success of 'Keep N.C. Educated' Campaign

ASG President Andrew Payne said the campaign's success rests on the active participation of students.

Payne emphasized the importance of a strong student presence at the March 6 meeting of the UNC-system Board of Governors, where members will debate and vote on tuition increases. "We really have a chance to make something happen," he said.

The "Keep N.C. Educated" campaign officially began last Wednesday with a kickoff at UNC-Chapel Hill. ASG officials hope to use the campaign to educate N.C. voters about tuition and prompt them to lobby state legislators to increase university funding.

"There was an awesome showing of student support," Payne said. "I think it really drove home the point. If you're not on the (tuition) train, you better get out of the way."

Payne also encouraged delegates to attend a special Tuesday meeting of the BOG Budget and Finance Committee.

He said he expects the BOG to strongly consider the message behind the ASG's campaign. "I'm going to try to get as many things as possible debated," he said. "I think they'll listen. You can't argue (with the campaign). There's no comeback, faced with the facts, statistics and common sense."

Les Stewart, an ASG delegate from UNC-Wilmington, said delegates must contact BOG members before March.

He said convincing BOG members to vote against a tuition increase might be easier than convincing individual campus trustees because some BOG members are prone to swing voting. "I emphasize that this is a winnable battle," he said.

James Haltom, ASG vice president of public affairs, said students must realize their presence will have an impact on the BOG's decision. "The final say is the BOG," he said. "There's still time for tuition not to be raised."

The ASG also passed a resolution to increase student fees at each UNC-system school by one dollar to help fund the ASG. The resolution passed almost unanimously, with one dissenting vote. It will be voted on by the BOG in March.

Payne said he expects the BOG to pass the resolution without opposition. "There hasn't been any harsh criticism," he said. "(The board) views it as if the students want it, then they should have it."

Payne also urged everyone to make a commitment to the "Keep N.C. Educated" campaign and to encourage their student bodies to do the same.

"I think oftentimes as students, we feel we can't (change things)," he said. "Just by talking to people, laying out the facts, we show we aren't just students who are whining about tuition."

The State & National Editor can be reached at stntdesk@unc.edu.