Task force mulls use of tuition cash

Although they set out to discuss a comprehensive report about the effect of tuition increases on the University, officials at Thursday's Tuition Task Force Meeting instead spent time discussing the best uses for revenue generated through possible hikes.

Provost Robert Shelton, co-chairman of the task force, had announced during the group's last meeting that the results of a price sensitivity study, conducted by the higher education consulting firm Art & Science Group LLC, would be available for discussion.

But the discussion eventually took a different direction when the anticipated Thursday completion of the report was delayed.

"We have so much to look at, it wasn't particularly harmful not to have the report," said Student Body President Matt Calabria, co-chairman of the task force.

After discussing several pages' worth of financial information and demographic statistics, task force members made proposals on how to best spend revenue.

Calabria urged the task force members to consider using additional funds to improve the caliber and quality of classes offered to students.

He and Student Body Vice President Alexa Kleysteuber contended that many students become frustrated when they realize many courses in the University's curriculum are not available. Many quickly fill up, and others are not taught at all.

"The sections that are offered are full and fill a lot more quickly," Calabria said. "So you see that even intro classes are filled to the brim."

Many of the task force members were receptive to Calabria's proposal.

Shirley Ort, director of scholarships and student aid, said students who rely on financial aid also could benefit from more accessible classes.

She explained that needy students have to take out loans when registering for summer courses because financial aid only covers expenses for the fall and spring semesters.

Calabria also proposed using tuition revenue for granting more merit-based scholarships after learning earlier that day that the No. 1 reason students cite when turning down acceptance to UNC is a lack of merit-based aid.

Shelton said that although there is no policy that limits the amount of money provided to merit-based aid, the University has historically placed a greater importance on need-based scholarships.

"The philosophy of (administrators) is to stress need-based aid," he said.

"We do see the need to boost up merits, provided we still (value need-based aid)."

Ort said after the meeting that she would favor merit-based scholarships as long as the emphasis does not shift from need-based aid.

"What has served us is that we give assurance that students can have the aid that they need."

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.