A small but vocal group of Polytechnic students attended the Arizona Board of Regents tuition videoconference Monday, asking for accountability in university spending.
Kelley Stewart, Polytechnic Associated Student Body president, stressed her concern about the importance of accountability and transparency when universities are dealing with tuition money.
“Poly students want to make sure that tuition and fee revenue is transparent — the current reports don’t give much detail for students,” Stewart said before the videoconference started. “We just want students to know where their money is going.”
Dean of Student Affairs Gary McGrath said the number of students in attendance was a record. There were seven, not including student government officers.
Early childhood education junior Teresa Rednour said she questions where tuition money is going.
“We understand there’s an increase needed in technology and new buildings, but teachers are taking pay cuts ... It doesn’t make sense,” she said.
Stewart said there is enough financial aid available for students that mild tuition increases should not “out-price students from their dream.”
Each year, Stewart has paid her tuition with scholarship money.
Most students at the Polytechnic meeting did not agree with Stewart.
Rednour said she is already $40,000 in debt with student loans.
Air transportation management freshman Jason Flora said he attended the meeting because he is concerned he may not be able to stay at ASU if tuition goes up.
“I’m on the presidential scholarship, otherwise I couldn’t afford to come here,” Flora said. “I’m interested in seeing how much the cost may go up. I might have to consider community college or student loans.”
Reach the reporter at afleisha@asu.edu.
