Publication Date
4-2-2020
Abstract
JOHNSON CITY (April 2, 2020) — During a called meeting of East Tennessee State University’s Board of Trustees Finance and Administration Committee on Wednesday, a motion was passed to not increase tuition and mandatory fees for the 2020-21 academic year contingent on the approval of the Governor’s budget. The ETSU Board of Trustees will vote on the recommendation at its quarterly meeting on April 24.
The recommendation was brought before the committee following discussions among shared governance bodies at the university, including the Student Government Association. ETSU is the first locally governed institution (LGI) in Tennessee to announce plans for tuition and fees to remain unchanged for the 2020-21 academic year.
“This recommendation is based on what is best for students and their families during this time of economic uncertainty,” said ETSU President Brian Noland.
The committee also discussed the proposed salary pool that was recently reduced from 2.5% to 1.5% in Gov. Bill Lee’s amended state budget. Funding a 1.5% salary pool would require the university to generate $801,960 in new tuition/fee revenues to cover its share of the salary increase, explained Dr. B.J. King, chief financial officer. She suggested that the bulk of the state salary pool be placed into a reserve account so the committee could meet later to determine how to best utilize the funds based on the final state budget and fall 2020 enrollment.
The Finance and Administration Committee approved a motion to place the 1.5% salary increase for 2020-21 in a reserve account. The motion will also come before the Board of Trustees for a final vote on April 24.
Dr. B.J. King also outlined the proposed 2020-21 budget, but no action will be taken until the next Board of Trustees meeting. More information about the Board, including future meeting dates and agenda materials, is available at www.etsu.edu/trustees.
Document Type
News Article
