Lee Johnson
Managing Editor
gljohnson@valdosta.edu

Don’t close the check book quite yet.

VSU students will have to pay an additional $100 in fees starting in Spring 2009. The University System of Georgia (USG) has approved the additional two percent budget cuts, on top of an eight percent cut totaling around $136 million.

The $100 fee is one of two steps taken to counteract the close to $20 million in the two percent budget cut. The second step is cutting the USG’s PPO and HMO health plans by five percent from 75 to 70.

In a press release yesterday, Erroll B. Davis Jr., USG’s Chancellor, commented on the decision.

“These are difficult decisions,” Davis said. “The board’s action today [Dec. 3] will protect the System’s core teaching mission and maintain academic quality.”

This fee comes unexpectedly at the end of the semester with next semester’s tuition and fees looming around the corner, raising questions on how students will pay the additional fee.

“The fee will be added to the student’s account; however their classes will not be cancelled on Dec. 15, 2008 if they only owe the $100,” Thressea Boyd, assistant to the president for
communications, said. “HOPE will not cover this charge; however, students can use other financial aid.”

The additional fee is being applied state-wide, with fees ranging from $50 – $100, depending on the category the university falls into. Students enrolled at two-year institutions pay $50, four-year institutions pay $75 and research institutions pay $100. VSU was categorized as a research institution.

This increase in budget cuts not only affects students, but faculty and staff as well. According to the Wednesday press release, a five percent reduction on the USG health plans will cost employees increased premiums from $17 to $65 a month.

The philosophy behind these two steps is to maintain academic quality, according to USG officials.

“We understand the financial impact on students,” Davis said in his letter to USG students. “But we also understand that we have a responsibility to you to provide a first-rate education, leading-edge research and committed public service.”

Maintaining academic quality includes keeping faculty and staff employed, who, without additional funds, were in danger of losing their jobs.

“The alternative [to the fee and health plan reductions] was to compromise the quality of education by continuing to reduce the courses and services that students need,” Boyd said.

The budget cuts might not be over quite yet. The USG could still approve another two percent cut, raising the total to 10 percent. VSU is focusing on the present situation.

“At this time we are focusing on the eight percent,” Boyd said. “We will have to be efficient with spending in the event of additional cuts.”

If students have any questions about their accounts, they can contact the VSU Bursary or the Financial Aid Office.