The Tennessee Higher Education Commission could close several universities and still not pare its budget enough to meet next year’s stripped-down state appropriation.
The body that governs both the UT and Board of Regents systems met today and came to grips with a new economic reality. Financial affairs director Jim Vaden says the state could shut down Tennessee Tech and Tennessee State University and still only meet a 10-percent cut scenario.
“And 15-percent is greater than what the UT Knoxville current appropriation level is, so it is absolutely huge.”
Shuttering an entire university is not on the table for either system, but they are both looking for millions in savings by dropping entire programs and restructuring tuition. And they say these changes will be permanent, not temporary.
TBR Chancellor Charles Manning says he’s considering a sliding fee depending on the career track. Right now, tuition for a future social worker and a soon-to-be accountant are the same.
“We ought to look at whether they ought to pay more than a student that has more limited opportunities in terms of paying back any loans.”
Manning says the system can no longer afford to charge one flat rate for every full-time student. Administrators will share their ideas with Governor Bredesen on Tuesday.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM