2008 Woodie Awards
Bill proposal may affect tuition
Legislation could allow Ohio Regents to determine state university pricing
Allison Cole and Laura Houser
Issue date: 3/6/07 Section: Community
In attempts to stimulate legislative debate over higher education in Ohio, Rep. Shawn Webster (R-Hamilton) is sponsoring legislation that, if passed, would grant the Ohio Board of Regents the power to determine tuition for all state colleges and universities.
In February, the Ohio Board of Regents proposed the basis for House Bill 85 to Webster, calling for the board to be granted authority over state tuition rates, according to Jamie Abel, assistant director of communications with the Ohio Board of Regents.
As written in the bill, its purpose is the improvement of higher education for the state in a way that would both consider the needs of the people and the needs of the state.
According to Abel, one of the main reasons the board felt the need to examine higher education is due to affordability.
"(Ohio) has one of the highest tuition rates in the nation," Abel said.
Currently, Abel said the Board of Regents holds little power over higher education. He said the board works as a coordinating board, meaning most of what the board accomplishes is a result of bringing people - such as Ohio colleges, the Ohio College Access Network, and legislators - together for discussion in hopes of creating a consensus.
Abel said the bill would give the Board of Regents authority to accomplish a number of goals in
regards to affordability, access and efficiency for Ohio schools, including the ability to withdraw low quality academic programs and set tuition, a power currently not held by the board.
University reacts to proposal
Webster said he imagines universities are not too thrilled with this legislation as it could take away power from Ohio colleges, however Claire Wagner, assistant director of university communications, said Miami University would always welcome discussion on the issue.
Randi Thomas, director of institutional relations at Miami, presented the bill and its stipulations to university senate Monday afternoon, where its broad power met a critical reception.
In February, the Ohio Board of Regents proposed the basis for House Bill 85 to Webster, calling for the board to be granted authority over state tuition rates, according to Jamie Abel, assistant director of communications with the Ohio Board of Regents.
As written in the bill, its purpose is the improvement of higher education for the state in a way that would both consider the needs of the people and the needs of the state.
According to Abel, one of the main reasons the board felt the need to examine higher education is due to affordability.
"(Ohio) has one of the highest tuition rates in the nation," Abel said.
Currently, Abel said the Board of Regents holds little power over higher education. He said the board works as a coordinating board, meaning most of what the board accomplishes is a result of bringing people - such as Ohio colleges, the Ohio College Access Network, and legislators - together for discussion in hopes of creating a consensus.
Abel said the bill would give the Board of Regents authority to accomplish a number of goals in
regards to affordability, access and efficiency for Ohio schools, including the ability to withdraw low quality academic programs and set tuition, a power currently not held by the board.
University reacts to proposal
Webster said he imagines universities are not too thrilled with this legislation as it could take away power from Ohio colleges, however Claire Wagner, assistant director of university communications, said Miami University would always welcome discussion on the issue.
Randi Thomas, director of institutional relations at Miami, presented the bill and its stipulations to university senate Monday afternoon, where its broad power met a critical reception.
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