The tuition and fee advisory task force approved 15.6 percent tuition hikes for in-state students and 6.5 percent hikes for out-of-state students at its meeting Monday morning.
The proposal was hotly debated at the two-hour meeting, with a group of students led by Student Body President Mary Cooper presenting an alternative plan. Her plan would have increased tuition for residents by 6.4 percent, 4 percent for non-residents and 5 percent for incoming students for the next two years.
Several students protested the meeting, sitting in and holding signs. Following the meeting, a few heckled Provost Bruce Carney, who authored the approved plan.
The Board of Trustees will hear the proposal, which will be presented by Chancellor Holden Thorp, on Wednesday and Thursday.
Sallie Shuping-Russell, chairwoman of the budget, audit and finance committee of the board, said during the meeting that she might favor a compromise between the plans of Carney and Cooper.
“This recommendation will be considered,” said Chairman of the Board of Trustees Wade Hargrove, referring to Carney’s proposal in an interview after the meeting. “It may not be the only option considered by any means.”
