FMU tuition raised by 3.6 percent per semester

FLORENCE — A $48.5 million operating budget that included a tuition increase of 3.6 percent — the lowest increase Francis Marion University has had in 10 years — was approved by members of the FMU Board of Trustees during their quarterly meeting Friday.

Chairman George C. McIntyre said during the meeting that the “tuition increase is one of the lowest tuition increases in the state and was the lowest increase since (he) has served on the board.”

McIntyre also commended both the faculty and staff for their hard work and sacrifice during difficult financial times.

The college has made every effort to keep tuition as low as possible, given the current economic climate, FMU President Dr. Fred Carter said in a press release issued by the university.

University officials said the tuition increase is no more than the Higher Education Price Index, an inflationary gauge used by higher education institutions, according to the release. The tuition increase will generate $924,000 in new revenues.

Tuition for full-time in-state undergraduates is at $3,673.50 per semester and at $7,347 per semester for full-time out-of-state undergraduate students.

In-state full-time graduate students pay $3,773.50 per semester, while out-of-state full-time graduate students pay $7,547 per semester.

The university’s nursing program tuition is at $5,755.50 per semester, while out-of-state nursing students pay $11,511 per semester.

Despite the financial downturn in the state and the nation, the university has seen at least a 2-percent increase in student enrollment.

Student enrollment and fees will generate $29.1 million, according to the budget projections for the 2009-10 fiscal year.

The operating budget also includes $2.6 million in non-recurring federal stimulus funds.

FMU’s $48.5 million budget includes a base state appropriation of $14.7 million

A 10-year analysis of the university’s state appropriations was provided to board members for their review.

In the analysis, it was noted that FMU’s 1998-99 fiscal year budget included 56 percent from state appropriations.

This past fiscal year, the budget included only 34 percent from state appropriations.

During the meeting, the board also approved three resolutions for establishing a specialist in school psychology degree; the naming of five student residence halls and a community center at the Forest Villas Apartments; and a smoke-free campus policy.

As of Aug. 1, FMU will be designated as smoke-free campus in the university’s effort to help reduce the health and safety risks associated with smoking and provide a healthier environment for all of those who attend the university.

All facilities, grounds as well as any vehicles owned or controlled by FMU are covered by the policy.

Free behavioral sessions and selected over-the-counter smoking cessation products will be offered to faculty and staff as a way to encourage those who want to quit smoking. Behavioral counseling and discounts on smoking cessation aids for students also will be offered by the university’s Student Health Services.

Following the board’s quarterly meeting, members of the community and the university gathered for a dedication ceremony at the Forest Villas.

Carter said the dedication ceremony was unique because it was the first time the university has named buildings after faculty and staff — “the people that do the real work.”

The names of Roger W. Allen Jr., Alice B. Beaty, Marian Cusac, Dorothy King and Neal D. Thigpen are displayed on the five buildings in the Forest Villas Apartment Complex, while the community center was named after Dr. Joseph E. Heyward.

On the Web

Francis Marion University, www.fmarion.edu