October 2, 1999
Resolution for a Tuition Freeze
All the statistical information in this resolution comes
from the following two documents: a) Report to Congressional Requesters,
August 1996, Higher Education - Tuition Increasing Faster Than Household
Income And Public Colleges' Costs (General Accounting Office /HEHS-96-154) and
b) National Center for Education Statistics, US Department of Education,
College Access and Affordability - Findings from The Condition of Education
1998.
1. Whereas, Between 1980 and 1995, average tuition at 4-year public colleges for in-state, full-time students increased 234%, while the Consumer Price Index (inflation) increased 74%;
2. Whereas, Student grant aid has not kept pace with tuition levels;
3. Whereas, Between 1987 and 1996, the number of students obtaining loans under federal programs increased by 87%;
4. Whereas, From 1980 to 1995 the average amount of student loans for college students at 4-year public colleges rose 367%;
5. Whereas, In 1995-96, more than half of seniors at public 4-year colleges had borrowed from federal loan programs and they carried an average of over $10,000 in debt;
6. Whereas, In the 1995-96 school year, 79% of undergraduates worked to pay their education expenses. A substantial proportion of students reported that their work negatively affected their academic performance;
7. Whereas, In 1994, the state of Michigan was ranked the 9th most expensive state in the nation for average in-state, full-time, undergraduate tuition at 4-year public colleges;
8. Whereas, At the University of Michigan the rate of tuition increase over the last two decades has far exceeded the rate of inflation;
9. Whereas, The trends outlined above have the result of narrowing access and opportunity for MSA's student-constituents from low- and middle-income backgrounds and for students generally in Michigan and across the country;
10. Whereas, The trends outlined above have the result of shifting
the burden of public education costs to low- and middle-income families and
individuals;
a) Resolved, The Michigan Student Assembly, in its job as the representative of student interests, and in its job as the representative of students from low- and middle-income backgrounds, calls for a tuition freeze (a moratorium on tuition increases) at the University of Michigan.
b) Resolved, MSA charges the Peace and Justice Commission with the task of contacting and sending copies of this resolution to student governments and student leaders in the state of Michigan and around North America who express interest in the issue of tuition increases and the affordability of higher education.
c) Resolved, MSA will send copies of this resolution to the Michigan
Daily and to the University administration.
Submitted by members of the Defend Affirmative Action Party
Failed — 7 for, 23 against, 1 abstaining.