Method of gauging student input on tuition increase acceptable, Lassen says

Vice President Gregg Lassen said no apologies are necessary for administration's "informal " approach to student input regarding a proposed tuition increase.

"I take some of the responsibility myself that the process was not as formal as it may have been in the past, but I'm not apologizing for that. I'm happy about that," he told participants at Wednesday's town hall meeting.

The Student Government Association sponsored the meeting to allow students to question a panel of University officials about various issues.

Earlier this month, the UT Board of Regents approved a 4.3 percent increase each year for the next two years beginning this fall.  Full-time students will pay about $140 more per semester totaling about $280 per year.

A Talon analysis of presentations given to the regents showed UT Tyler was one of only two UT System campuses that did not incorporate a survey, forum or online questionnaire seeking student input about a tuition increase.

Lassen opened his presentation on Wednesday by welcoming participants to the new UC auditorium.

"We're grateful that we are finished with Barnes & Noble and all the other wonderful construction," he said. "We will be out of the construction business for a while."

The focus shifted to tuition after Lassen announced a grand opening for the UC scheduled for April 14.

"We are going to raise your tuition. If you read the Talon, you know that already," Lassen said.

Lassen said the concerns and questions about tuition increases require a deeper level of thought.

"The notion of a representative democracy is important here and at all universities," Lassen said.

He said the SGA's role is very important in making decisions and students are elected to represent the student body.

"My state representative doesn't call me to ask how he should vote. He makes the decision on his own," Lassen said. "If I'm not happy with his choices, I later have an opportunity to vote someone new in."

He said he is in frequent contact with about 60 students - about 1 percent of the student body - and often discusses student concerns with them. He said students are welcome to stop by his office to express their opinions or concerns on various issues.

About 35 people attended the meeting in the new UC Auditorium including Amy Whitehouse, SGA president, SGA senators, faculty and students.

The panel consisted of Lassen, vice president of business affairs, Dr. Howard Patterson, vice president of student affairs, Dr. Alisa White, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Ona Tolliver, director of student life and leadership and Shannon Mariani, director of food services.