Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's legislation limiting collective bargaining rights for state employee unions could also be causing tuition and other fees to increase at the University of Wisconsin-Superior.

On Tues., March 15 and Wed., March 16, open forums about budget issues were held to answer questions and concerns that the campus community might have about what will happen with the future of the UW System.

What was discussed in the open forum on Tuesday was the proposed segregated fee, meal plan, residence hall and parking rates for next year. Permit rates will increase about four percent to cover the construction cost of a new parking lot for Ross Hall and Hawkes Hall. Parking permits will be split into two different categories, which are resident permits (for students living in the halls) and commuter permits (off-campus students). Resident permits will cost $15 more per year than commuter permits.

Segregated fees will increase 5.13 percent for athletics to help cover the increases of operating costs, 79.12 percent increase for the Department of Student Involvement for additional programming offered to students, 29.21 percent increase for the Gender Equity Program to cover programming costs, 3.50 percent increase for the Wellness Center to cover operating costs, and a 14.29 percent increase in the Wellness Center Equipment fee to help with maintaining and replacing exercise equipment. 

“The segregated fees, parking fees, and residence hall fees are increasing for a variety of reasons. Costs increase every year, so inflation is a part of the reason for fee increases,” said Budget and Policy Analyst Jeff Kahler.  “Segregated fees pay for operational costs [office supplies and other costs to run a department] and salary and benefit costs. Some segregated fess also go to pay for capital projects, such as the locker rooms that were added at Wessman Arena and the debt service on the Yellowjacket Union.  All segregated fee increases for next year will go to cover operational costs of departments.”

On Wednesday, Chief Officer Jan Hanson, Interim Provost Faith Hensrud, Vice Chancellor Vicki Hajewski and Human Resources Director Peggy Fecker held an open forum to discuss university budget issues and to answer questions for faculty, students, and campus community members. One of the main agendas brought to attention at the forum was the Wisconsin Idea Partnership. This proposal is a way to help support the UW System by making the system as a whole provided with flexibility to allow each institution to spend their money on what they need.  This is also a proposal that will help keep tuition and fees affordable. But the future of fees at UW-Superior is still uncertain.

“I am not sure if the fees will increase in the future because of the Governor’s budget bill and the state’s current financial situation,” said Kahler.  “I would probably have a better answer to this question in about six to nine months from now.”

Student Chelsey Wierschem isn't enthusiastic about tuition and fee increases, but is willing to accept it.

“I wouldn't like to see this happen,” Wierschem said. “But sometimes life isn't always fair.”

To conclude the open forum on Wednesday, Hanson stated that this will be a hardship for many and if anyone had questions or concerns, her door will be open to discuss anything with people.  The proposed rates are now online at http://www.uwsuper.edu/budget/segfees/index.cfm.