The Auburn University Board of Trustees announced several updates concerning tuition and enrollment this fall, including the unanimous election of a second term pro tempore president at the Friday, June 27, meeting.
James Rane, newly elected for a second term as the president of the pro tempore of the board, briefly addressed the current issue of rising tuition costs spreading across the nation.
The board recently discussed raising Auburn's tuition by .7 percent, down from the one percent increase from last year during the April 11 meeting.
"This issue continues to resonate with Congress and the legislature," Rane said. "I had a discussion yesterday with a prominent state senator. The first thing out of his mouth was 'What are y'all doing to control tuition?' I don't have a solution, but I would urge assembling a task team or putting together another way to look at the picture. We have all got to find the solution to the problem. It continues to affect the workforce and it's going to affect the overall economy. Somehow we have to get this monster under control, and I would love to see Auburn take a lead."
Regardless of the rising costs, President Jay Gogue has estimated that 700 more freshman will enter Auburn this fall.
"It creates a huge demand," Gogue said. "Seven hundred students do not sound like a lot when you add 25,000, but when you think about the faculty to student ratio. There is one faculty member to 18 students."
Auburn has met the anticipated enrollment mark for the summer semesters as well.
Rane, of Abbeville, Alabama, is the president of the Jimmy Rane Foundation and actively works to raise money to fund college scholarships for students.
Rane has been a member of the Auburn University Board of Trustees since 1999.
"I think you've done a great job and we look forward to another year," said Gaines Lanier, Auburn alumnus and board member.Trustee Jimmy Sanford was also recognized for his involvement with the Auburn Research Park and upcoming medical school.
According to Gogue, it will be a private medical school located in the research park. The school has already enrolled 150 students for the fall.
In other news, the board approved a proposal permitting a master of science degree in natural resources through the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences.
The board also approved a resolution allowing the issue of revenue bonds up to $210,000 for the fiscal year.
The board approved an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree program in physics for students to earn in a five-year time period.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
