2008 Woodie Awards
Cutting credits to cut costs
In 2008, the Minnesota Legislature passed a bill reducing the number of graduation-required credits from 128 to 120. But the bill has its flaws.
by Rebecca McQuiston
Issue date: 10/9/08
Section: Voices
Rising tuition costs are hard to avoid, but the solution the Minnesota Legislature passed for The Minnesota State Colleges and University System is not really a solution at all.
In May 2008, the Omnibus Higher Education Funding Bill was passed into law. The bill states all Minnesota universities under the MNSCU system must restructure undergraduate graduation requirements.
Instead of a 128-credit graduation standard, it is now 120. Each school's department chair is to re-design his or her curriculum to meet this standard.
The bill was passed by the legislature as a solution to the rising cost in tuition. There is a flaw in this because most students do not pay tuition per credit. Students must take 12-18 credits per semester to be considered a full-time university student. That means if you are a student taking 12 credits a semester, your tuition is the same as a student taking 18 credits.
Eight credits are being removed directly from the undergraduate program, not general education courses. This does not make sense. As any student will tell you, the most important, relatable and enjoyable classes are the ones in his or her program. A department chair can apply for a waiver so the credits come from general education courses but the waiver then must be approved and is subjective.
Why were students, parents and faculty not notified about this bill before it was passed? The legislature passed it behind our backs without letting us give our input. Still, most students don't know about it and the changes are being made under our noses.
I encourage students and faculty to appeal this decision. The legislature needs to reconsider this bill and look at other solutions for tuition hikes. Contact the chair of Higher Education, Sen. Sandra Pappas at 651-296-1802 to express your concern or for more information.
In May 2008, the Omnibus Higher Education Funding Bill was passed into law. The bill states all Minnesota universities under the MNSCU system must restructure undergraduate graduation requirements.
Instead of a 128-credit graduation standard, it is now 120. Each school's department chair is to re-design his or her curriculum to meet this standard.
The bill was passed by the legislature as a solution to the rising cost in tuition. There is a flaw in this because most students do not pay tuition per credit. Students must take 12-18 credits per semester to be considered a full-time university student. That means if you are a student taking 12 credits a semester, your tuition is the same as a student taking 18 credits.
Eight credits are being removed directly from the undergraduate program, not general education courses. This does not make sense. As any student will tell you, the most important, relatable and enjoyable classes are the ones in his or her program. A department chair can apply for a waiver so the credits come from general education courses but the waiver then must be approved and is subjective.
Why were students, parents and faculty not notified about this bill before it was passed? The legislature passed it behind our backs without letting us give our input. Still, most students don't know about it and the changes are being made under our noses.
I encourage students and faculty to appeal this decision. The legislature needs to reconsider this bill and look at other solutions for tuition hikes. Contact the chair of Higher Education, Sen. Sandra Pappas at 651-296-1802 to express your concern or for more information.
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