Dobbins says SEMO tuition could rise 4 or 5 percent

It turns out Southeast Missouri State University, like many of its higher education brethren in Missouri, expects to raise tuition, contrary to a statement from a university official.

On Wednesday, Southeast president Ken Dobbins confirmed tuition could climb 4 or 5 percent in 2011-2012, although much remains to be decided in the coming weeks -- on campus and in Jefferson City, Mo.

Southeast provost Ronald Rosati last week told the Southeast Missourian that the university didn't have a plan to increase tuition, at least at the time, despite colleges and universities throughout Missouri talking about tuition boosts.

"He misspoke," Dobbins said. "He was probably right in that right now we have a budget review process that we have to go through" before Southeast settles next year's tuition question.

The committee, made up of nearly 30 Southeast administrators and educators, will take a close look at the budget and make tuition recommendations to Dobbins, who will in turn offer his guidance to the university's board of regents.

"I would expect sometime in March that recommendation would be made," Dobbins said.

The fiscal environment has improved somewhat since Gov. Jay Nixon announced his budget would hold state higher education budget cuts to 7 percent. That would mean the loss of about $3.4 million from Southeast's budget, Dobbins said. Missouri's colleges and universities had been bracing for cuts of 15 to 20 percent.

"We're very pleased the governor has recommended only a 7 percent reduction," Dobbins said. "We knew there was a cliff, but we didn't know how big it was."

Southeast students will face fee increases in the coming years to help pay for Southeast's campuswide renovation plan. The bonds alone are $59.25 million. Student general fees are set to rise $5 per credit hour on top of a $6 maintenance fee. Regents gave their support to a Student Government Association recommendation to phase in the $5 fee increase over the next three years.

The rising fees, those counted in next school year's education costs, would be factored into the overall tuition increase. Undergraduate incidental fees for Missouri residents are $184.80 per credit hour, with general fees at $23.70 per credit hour, according to the university's 2010-2011 fee schedule.

Much could change on the funding front during the legislative budget process, especially in the shadow of a projected half-billion-dollar or better budget shortfall. Southeast has been preparing for the worst, looking to trim some $20 million from its budget.

Over the past year and a half, the budget review committee has identified nearly $9 million in budget cuts. The line item reductions include operating budget cuts in all of the university's divisions, restructuring of fees, restructuring of nonmerit scholarships and a incidental fee increase for fiscal year 2012.

Rosati said Southeast will fill state budget shortfalls through efficiencies and enrollment growth.

Dobbins was scheduled to testify Wednesday about higher education financials before the House Appropriations Committee, but the session was postponed due to this week's winter storm.

mkittle@semissourian

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