Changes to student tuition costs are coming next year, due to a new university budget and state-mandated tuition reductions. The Board of Trustees voted Monday, July 20, to approve a five percent reduction for the 2015-2016 school year for resident undergrads. For out-of-state and MBA students, the newly approved budget raises their annual tuition costs by 2.9 percent. At the meeting, the board also took time to discuss the timeline and funding for Sam Carver Gymnasium with M.A. Mortenson Co. as the project’s general contractor/construction manager. In addition to discussing the budget, the board also talked about the process to search for a new president after President Bruce Shepard retires at the end of the next academic year. The board appointed Vice Chair Susan Sharpe as the head of the presidential search advisory committee. Board of Trustees Chair Karen Lee read a paragraph which she said she has referred to for the past two months for inspiration when considering the responsibility of the search committee in choosing a new president. “The president must provide leadership in maintaining academic integrity and its reputation,” Lee said. “A good choice can benefit a college or university far into the future. The process of presidential search and selection bears both enormous opportunity and considerable risk. It is crucial to get it right.” Vice chair Susan Sharpe was appointed by the trustees to put together a committee to choose and search for a new president. The Western Front will follow the progression of the search when more information is released.
