• Registered: 03-28-2009
  • Posts: 257

Topic: Universities

The Huntsville Times, today, had an article on the growth of the University of Alabama.  "Since fall 2002, enrollment has increased 47 percent, accoording to university data.  Not since returning soldiers from World War II flooded the nation's universities has Alabama experienced such growth in such a short time span. the university reported.  Since January 2003, the university has opened 40 new buildings, including 10 residence halls and 2 dining halls." 

With this kind of growth, how in the world are we going to get them to freeze PACT tuition, much less lower it?  My opinion is that the only sway we have is negative public opinion focused on the university systems in Alabama.  Their tuition growth is the huge factor we are facing.  Personally, (I know I get kind of wild sometimes smile) I think we should march - a REAL march on each of the two major campuses. Bring the kids.  Do it on a weekend when people are mostly off work.  Alert the media.  Am I alone in this kind of thinking?

Last edited by dhpeacher (09-12-2009 1:16:37 pm)

  • Registered: 04-17-2009
  • Posts: 16

Re: Universities

I think it would be interesting to know how much of that growth is due to students who have a PACT.

  • Registered: 06-26-2009
  • Posts: 28

Re: Universities

The universities can safely present the PACT problem as the legislature's, not theirs.   Yet, faced with enrollment numbers like these, the universities also feel no need to control costs - demand for their product is high and appears cost is no object.

  • Registered: 04-01-2009
  • Posts: 8

Re: Universities

I think a march in Montgomery is essential; maybe the first day the legislature convenes again. But planning would need to commence now.--Rich Donnell

  • Registered: 03-28-2009
  • Posts: 257

Re: Universities

Whether Montgomery or the Auburn and UA campuses, we need to plan ahead.  You are right Rich!  It needs to be planned for a time when we can take the kids if possible.  If not, we need a huge turnout.

  • Registered: 03-28-2009
  • Posts: 257

Re: Universities

A march on Montgomery would be great, but somehow we need to focus attention on the university (UA & AU) systems.  Afterall, their tuition (per the RSA Report)  appears to be the single biggest cause of debt in PACT.  It's downright scary.  They, in my opinion, are out of control.  Somehow  we need to get their attention and the public's.

  • Registered: 03-28-2009
  • Posts: 257

Re: Universities

Found the following today.  Makes me sick at my stomach:

From The Birmingham News:
Saturday, September 19, 2009
STAN DIEL
News staff writer
TUSCALOOSA - The three universities in the University of Alabama System will lean on increased revenue from higher tuition next year as they try to weather tough economic times, the schools' new budgets indicate.

The UA System Board of Trustees on Friday approved the 2010 operating budgets for the University of Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham and University of Alabama in Huntsville. Each of the schools plans to spend
more, despite losing 7 to 13 percent of its state funding.

UA's $593 million spending plan is a 6.6 percent increase over the current budget. UAB's $946 million budget amounts to a 0.9 percent increase in spending. UAH's $151 million budget calls for a 1 percent increase.

The biggest increase in revenue at each school forecast for fiscal 2010 comes from tuition and fees. UA anticipates $226 million in revenue from tuition and fees next year, a 19 percent increase. UAB's budget anticipates $97 million tuition
and fees, a 9 percent increase.

System Chancellor Malcolm Portera said the three universities face a difficult challenge because the state has slashed its contribution to their budgets. Collectively,he said, the
three schools have lost $141 million in state funding in a little more than a year.

"These are tough and challenging times," Portera said.

The increase in revenue from tuition and fees is expected to come from a combination of increased bills for students and an across-the-board increase in the number of students on campus.

Last edited by dhpeacher (09-19-2009 6:06:49 pm)

  • Registered: 09-20-2009
  • Posts: 2

Re: Universities

I think a march would be fantastic...I was thinking that if we can coordinate this on a weekend, it would be really nice to bring the kids in the program as well.

Maybe even have them wear their school uniforms (if they wear them as we do in Mobile County) tagged with their school and location.  Helping to hold a banner with something like  MY EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT TO ME! OR PLEASE HELP TO ENSURE MY FUTURE or something that evokes all of our emotions over this.

  • Registered: 03-28-2009
  • Posts: 257

Re: Universities

I have my green S.A.P T-shirt and I'm sitting on ready!

  • Registered: 04-01-2009
  • Posts: 8

Re: Universities

I still think the Montgomery Capitol is the best march location, given the importance of the legislature in all this, as well as for the statewide media impact. Doesn't the legislature convene again early in February. To get the students there, and everybody else, you're probably talking a Saturday, maybe a Saturday after the legislature convenes for a week or so. Perhaps starting at noon or 1, so everybody can have time to get to Montgomery. I still think the best starting point is around the well known fountain at the corner of Commerce Street and Dexter, and then walking straight up Dexter to the Capitol, maybe a half mile. There's a lot of parking and available space on that side of town near the fountain, especially on a Saturday. If we want to do this, I guess we have to get city permit and all that. Anybody have any thoughts on this?  Rich Donnell

  • Registered: 03-28-2009
  • Posts: 257

Re: Universities

Well.... you're probably right about Montgomery and its impact. I think starting a few days after the beginning of the session is a great idea.  In particular, I think a weekend day would be great.  It's important to get the kids there and have a huge crowd.    We probably will have plenty of opportunities to march on the universities, if something doesn't happen this session.  I don't remember the exact date, but I was under the impression the next session started in January.  Anyone?

I'm ignorant of the permit required.  The media should be alerted.  Maybe we should even have microphones or a loudspeaker.  I know that a lot of leads are planning meetings in October.  Maybe this could be addressed.  We all need to be in accordance.

Last edited by dhpeacher (09-25-2009 1:34:04 pm)