The
S TUDENT P RINTZ www.studentprintz.com
SERVING SOUTHERN MISS SINCE 1927
March 29, 2012
Volume 96 Issue 48
STATE
Bill seeks to waive out-of-state fees Tyler Hill Printz Writer A bill circulating in the Mississippi legislature would allow state universities to waive out-of-state tuition to students. If passed and signed by Gov. Phil Bryant, the law will take effect on July 1, and eligible nonresident students will have lower tuition starting in the fall. The principal author of the bill is Rep. Toby Barker, who represents Forrest and Lamar counties, which embodies the University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University. Known as House Bill 1095, it will allow universities to waive the tuition for out-state-students if the state’s Institution of Higher Learning College Board deems it fiscally responsible. The college board can decline a university’s request if they infer that it might create a fiscal
problem for that particular university, at which point the university would rethink a new proposal. The bill allows universities to set waiver policies that are specific to their individual institution. According to Barker, some universities can choose to offer waivers based on how far away the student lives or on ACT or GPA scores. Some universities might not opt-in at all. Many colleges in nearby states already offer this service for Mississippi residents, but current law doesn’t allow Mississippi to reciprocate. Alabama is one of those states. The University of South Alabama allows Mississippi residents living at or near the Gulf Coast to receive instate tuition, but Alabama students can’t receive the same benefit in Mississippi. This bill could potentially change that. Barker says the legislation is long overdue. “This bill finally allows Mis-
DOWNTOWN
sissippi to compete with its surrounding states,” Barker said. “Right now, universities in neighboring states are taking some of our state’s best high school talent and turning them into permanent residents of Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama and Tennessee.” Current tuition at USM for instate students is $2,917 per semester. The tuition for an out-of-state student is more than double the previous figure: $6,895 per semester. Waiving non-residents tuition will “give Mississippi universities the same leverage to not only recruit good high school students but also to build the long-term human capital of Mississippi,” according to Barker. The political landscape across the country has been cantankerous to say the least, but this bill seems to defy those odds. It passed 120-1 in the House and unanimously in the Senate. Barker said that he and
Courtesy photo
Rep. Toby Barker of Forrest and Lamar counties authored the bill that aims to allow state universities to waive out-of-state tuition for students.
the other authors have seen strong bipartisan support, especially from legislators that have universities in their districts. The bill has been in motion since the 2010 session, and the legislature had the opportunity to pass the measure this year. “This will hopefully be a great tool
for Southern Miss to bolster recruiting efforts in markets like Mobile and New Orleans,” Barker said. The bill is currently awaiting Gov. Bryant’s signature, and Barker fully expects him to sign the legislation. To read the bill in its entirety, visit billstatus.ls.state.ms.us.
Annual festival to draw crowd downtown Saturday The culture and talent of Hattiesburg will be showcased Saturday as the annual downtown event Hubfest is put on by the Area Development Partnership and the Hattiesburg Zoo. Hubfest, which has been held for 28 years, has become a staple in Hattiesburg business and culture and attracts both local vendors and those from surrounding states. The event will be held on Main Street in downtown Hattiesburg from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday. Everyone is invited to attend. “The success of Hubfest over the years says a lot about the city
of Hattiesburg,” ADP intern Leanna Weaver said. “It is something that people want to be a part of, which makes it a highly sought after festival for potential vendors and businesses.” Hubfest is a successful festival for multiple reasons. The event brings inhabitants of Hattiesburg and surrounding communities to the downtown area. It also boasts a unique historic downtown district with history and influence that is complimented by a sense of prominence and renovation. Hattiesburg’s downtown district has become the perfect setting for the talent that Hubfest seeks to highlight. The talent at Hubfest ranges from art, music and food, accompanied by business booths from
CONNOR BARRON
WEATHER
Dallas Medlin Printz Writer
Justin Sellers/Printz
Hattiesburg residents visit vendors downtown for Hubfest 2011. The festival will be Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. this year.
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surrounding communities. More than 250 booths will be set up at the event, all with something different and interesting to offer to those who head downtown. The streets will be full of homegrown talent and art, and while browsing various booths and businesses, visitors will also be able to hear sounds from four entertainment stages where local acts such as the Adam Doleac Band and Dr. E and the Voodoo Kings will play. The full day’s lineup consists of 17 performers. “Hubfest is a great way to support the community and its talent, not to mention a great way to pick up artsy women,” senior broadcast journalism major James Skrmetta said.
INDEX
Calendar ........................ 2 News .............................. 3 Feature ...........................4 Pulse................................5 Opinion ...........................9 Sports.............................10