General Resolution in Support of a Phased and Fair Rise in Tuition Fees

WHEREAS

· The University of Virginia is absorbing unprecedented cuts imposed by the state in its operating budgets ($33.8 million in this fiscal year alone)

· Aggregate state funding for higher education in Virginia-by the state's own formula-has fallen short by $300 million per year for the past twelve years

· The University faces even greater cuts when the legislature reconvenes in January 2003

· Political leaders in Richmond show no indication of addressing the structural shortfalls in state revenues by reforming the tax code

· The effects of these cuts, both acute and chronic, threaten the ability of the University of Virginia to fulfill its fundamental mission of excellence in research and teaching

We, the Assembly of Professors, RESOLVE

· To urge the administration and the Board of Visitors of the University to take the necessary steps to introduce a phased and fair increase in the rates of student tuition until it reaches levels comparable to peer institutions such as the University of Michigan. This rise in tuition must be guided by several core principles, namely

o The resulting increase in revenues should come directly to the University, without further reductions in state funding

o Financial aid available to students should be commensurately increased, with the goal of meeting the financial aid needs of every qualified student

o The allocation of additional funds generated by the tuition increase should be fairly apportioned by the provost so it will have the greatest positive effect on the core academic mission of the University.

· We present this resolution directly to the Board of Visitors and further ask that the Faculty Senate, the Student Council, and other constituencies throughout the University consider, endorse, and support this resolution.