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the university’s reserve cash amount if this increase did not take place. “The worst case scenario would wipe out our reserves,” said BOR Chairman Mac Cannedy. Rogers borrowed money from next years reserve account to help return the $1.7 million to the state comptroller earlier this semester. As a result of their concerns, the tuition increase could have been higher. Rogers spoke with the Student Government Association last week to seek their approval for an increase. SGA President Michael Mills said that “most university presidents would not have directly spoken with the SGA.” Rogers did not need to receive the approval of the students to have an increase implemented because the decision lies solely as the responsibility of the BOR. Rogers approached the SGA with a proposal that would have increased the local tuition by $6.50 per credit hour and increased the computer use fee by the same amount. “There is no good way in and no good way out,” Rogers said. Rogers compiled the numbers using the potential revenue appropriations from the Texas House and Senate budget plans. “We are planning on the final numbers to be somewhere in the middle,” said Rogers referring to the best and worst case scenario numbers from both divisions of the legislature. “I think that Texas will grow out of (the economic problems), but I am concerned as to how long that will take,” Rogers said. Rogers, Alexander and budget director Valarie Maxwell put together six different models for the budget. Rogers said that he was comfortable asking that amount and added that he “could sleep knowing that he was not asking to much from the students.” “I think that we are meeting (the students) halfway but we won’t balance this budget on your backs,” Rogers said. “Some sacrifices have to be made (by the students),” said Mills, addressing the SGA before Rogers spoke. “We can’t go on the cheap end and keep the quality of the university up,” Rogers said. After a lengthy debate from the floor at the meeting and a question of parliamentary procedures by one senator, the resolution for a specific amount was scrapped in favor of a new idea. The SGA wanted President Rogers to know that they would support his decision for an increase, regardless of the cost, as long as the university would benefit and continue to move forward. One dissenting vote was cast against the resolution. Rogers assured the SGA that the BOR would not ask for more money than the potential $13 per credit hour increase. “I promise they will not do that,” Rogers said. He was right
Admissions
seeks spirited peers for orientation event Spirit Days is getting a makeover for this summer, including tougher guidelines for students wanting to be a peer counselor. Peer counselors are a big part of Spirit Days. These current students are selected for the position after completing the application process. The Admissions Office relies on these students to help show their incoming peers the ropes at MSU. “Once a student submits an application, we look at grades and activities on campus,” explained Jamie Hansard, Admissions assistant to the director. “We want someone who is energetic and positive and really wants to sell the school.” According to Hansard, peer counselors are also responsible for answering any of the questions that may arise within his or her given group of students or parents. “I’ve had all sorts of questions. I even had one girl ask me ‘what do people wear here,’” said peer counselor Jodi Becker. “I try to put a positive spin on any question. Because we are students here, they will believe whatever we say.” Students selected as peer counselors will have an even more active and important role in the Spirit Days events this year. “We will depend on them a lot more,” Hansard added. “They will be working more with students,” “It’s been fun. I got to know a lot of different people,” said Becker. Although Spirit Days has traditionally been on Thursday and Friday, it will take place primarily on Thursday with some optional activities on Wednesday this summer due to the change in the operating work week. “Instead of having everything over a day and a half, everything that is required will be on Thursday with just some optional things on Wednesday: placement and proficiency exams offered, an optional dinner they can attend,” said Hansard. Some of the optional activities include Spirit Olympics and a special dinner students and their parents may opt to attend. Applications for peer counselors are due by Friday, April 4. Students who are interested in applying should contact Hansard in the Admissions Office at 397-4821.
Wellness
Center Policy Changes Concert Need
a Healthy Job? Chili
Cook-Off Explore
the Magic ‘Proof’
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