Student Senate Takes Permanent Stance on Tuition Increase

The resolution states that “such an increase would have a significant and potentially detrimental effect on many members of the Ohio University student body … Student Senate views any tuition increase in a negative light … and [encourages] the state to explore ways to increase their share of instruction as a means of keeping talented students here in Ohio.”

Resolution sponsor and residence life commissioner Evan Ecos said supporting a resolution to oppose a tuition increase is important because “unless we [Student Senate] make the change, change won’t happen.” Ecos also stated that he believes the Budget Planning Council, the group that proposed the tuition increase, should have open discussions with the general student population.

“The overall sentiment I received from my constituency is that they are unpleased with this,” said Ecos. “I would like to see the administration come to the students [beforehand] and say ‘this is the route we think we are taking’ instead of a week and a half before.”

“I think that Senate was fortunate enough to have a presentation about the tuition increase and that most of the Senate body understood that we are really in a tough situation without it,” said President Kyle Triplett, “but students are in a tough spot as well, with increasing debt and tuition.”

“Keep in mind that these discussions are going to be brought up again,” said university life commissioner and current Senate presidential candidate, Zach George, who also sponsored the resolution. “So Student Senate needs to be proactive in what we do.”

Senior Tyler Barton, who has spearheaded the student-lead protests against a tuition increase, said he would have liked to see a more strongly-worded resolution.

“What they should say is that they urge the Board of Trustees not to pass it,” said Barton. “It’s one thing to say ‘I don’t like it,’ it’s another thing to say ‘I don’t want you to pass it.’”

“But at least it passed,” said Barton.

Senate also passed a resolution to appoint Grant Hesser to the position of senator for the College of Business.

“Grant has worked hard, he’s always in the office as an intern, and I think Grant will do a very fine job as the senator for the College of Business,” said Vice President Roger Jones.

Alongside his sponsorship of the resolution to appoint Hesser, Jones spoke passionately about the importance of supporting Take Back the Night that takes place throughout this week.

“I think it’s important not just for Senate members but for everyone [to show their support],” said Jones. “But as representatives for students, if you want the students to join, we have to be the ones that are the example.”

“I’ve been here for three to four years and its sad the number of police reports [involving sexual assault],” he said. “I think that it’s important for us to change that culture … men need to stand up and say ‘enough is enough, it’s time to stop.’”