Changing campus cost

With the economy dwindling at such a rapid rate, it was very encouraging to hear that UW-La Crosse is standing strong.  The Student Association meeting highlighted the budget reforms for the fiscal year of 2012-2013.  Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Bob Hetzel, presented a strong front for UW-L financially, as possible plans for a new Cartwright Center are underway.  

While many UW schools struggle to keep tuition rates steady from year to year, we have managed to ensure a cap of a 3 percent increase overall in segregated fees.  This results in an approximate increase in tuition of merely $34.23.  This minimal raise will stay true to the phrase, "a little goes a long way."   With a small increase in budget margins, a lot of service can be done for our campus.  

UW-L is a financially capable campus for many possibilities.  Students of UW-L are able to take pride in the fact that while the economy struggles through some of the hardest times, this university stands strong. While the increases in budgets are minimal, they will provide our campus with valuable assets.  Our Athletics department, Counseling & Testing Center, and Health Science Center will receive some of the higher percentage of budget increases.  But, the Child Care Center will receive one of the largest budget cuts of more than 15 percent.  Katie Gonzalez, an ECMC major, feels this budget cut will be detrimental.  "For the budget to receive these cuts, means fewer supplies for the teachers.  I feel like we can use all the funding we can get."

One would assume that Drake Hall's fire catastrophe is a costly ordeal. But, UW-L is a self-insured University with a deductible of only $500.  All costs from Drake Hall will be covered by funding from the state of Wisconsin.  

Environmental stability has been a concentration for UW-L campus lately, as it is always in our best interest to replenish our planet.  Our budget does a great job of recognizing the importance of being "green," as it has accumulated funds that will be receiving a 3.6 percent increase in the coming fiscal year.