Vanguard The
Serving USA students and the University community since 1963
July 11, 2011 |VOLUME 49, NUMBER 2
www.usavanguard.com
To stay up to date with campus news, friend The Vanguard on Facebook and follow USAVanguard on Twitter.
University of South Alabama’s student newspaper
Tuition increase necessary burden to bear Tuition will increase 8.4 percent for the 2011-2012 year as a result of funding shortfalls. By Cassie Fambro Editor-in-Chief
On June 9, the University of South Alabama Board of Trustees voted to raise tuition 8.4 percent for the 20112012 year. This will make undergraduate instate tuition $246 instead of $227 in the previous year. It also brings tuition increases to 22.4 percent in the past two years. Online courses will go up by 8 percent and graduate courses by 8.1 percent. Other major universities in Alabama will see increases as well. Auburn is expected to increase by 10 percent. Even if the University of Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of Alabama at Huntsville
were to increase at 8.4 percent also, the University of South Alabama’s tuition would still be 11 percent lower than their competition. Those universities are USA’s direct competition because they are Carenegie Research level High or Very High. USA is operating with 25 percent less state funding than four years ago. Federal stimulus money provided $10.8 million for the last two years but expired this year. As a reaction to unavoidable costs such as employee health insurance, utilities and running costs, hiring been aggressive decreased. Employees have not received salary increases in four years. To combine state and federal appropriations, USA received $139.7 million dollars in 20072008. In 2011-2012, USA will only receive $104.4 million dollars, or 25 percent of 2007-2008 levels. The total number of reduction in state funds is $151.3 million dollars in
see TUITION | 4
Courtesy of Keith Ayers
Even if comparable institutions raised their tuition as much as USA as demonstrated, USA would still be 11% lower than their costs. Costs represented are computed for 15 credit hours and in a FAFSA style equation including standard rates of living and supplies. USA will likely be the lowest increase in the state of Alabama even with precarious shortfalls in state and federal funding.
inside
Student Center Renovations
BREAKING NEWS CAMPUS MURDER Non-Student murdered in campus residence hall. See page 5 for details.
By Matt Weaver SENIOR REPORTER
For the first time in the history of its existence, the student center will welcome much-needed improvements in the form of renovations that should make for a better on-campus social experience. The student center officially closed for repairs on July 7 and basic repairs to the food court began shortly thereafter. Construction will be completed incrementally with the food court’s completion scheduled for the start of the spring semester, all according to Dr. John Smith, vice president of Student Affairs. University architects are in the planning stages of the renovation and hope to have the plans available for bidding in the fall. Meanwhile, the offices previously located in the student center have moved to various locations around campus, specifically the old recreation center, now the Academic Support Center. The SGA, Multicultural Affairs and
IPolice Blotter p 2.
Jaguar Productions now reside in that building. Most organizations moved to their new locations at the end of last week. USA’s Bookstore has relocated from the University Commons back to the side of the student center facing South Drive after its renovations were completed. The bookstore will be the capstone of the mall concept that the renovations hope to encapsulate. Aramark food services relocated to the area near the Delta dormitory. This moves its crew closer to the University’s new dining facility. News in Brief p.4
Staff Photo
Special student services permanently relocated to the old psychology clinic located on the side of campus facing Old Shell Road. The student center has long been a meeting place for both students and faculty. The library is quiet and cool during the summer but food and drinks are not allowed. The same applies to the Biomedical and Mitchell Business libraries. The Fresh Foods Co., is an option. Off-campus options include Satori’s Coffee House and local fast food establishments.
Weather p 5.
see RENOVATIONS | 2
Campus Pulse p. 8
Life | Art Walk Fairhope isn’t far away but it’s the secret vacation spot that you need to visit. See what they have to offer.
Sports | Basketball Things are looking up for Coach Arrow and the South Alabama basketball team.
JagLife p. 12