2022-2023 Differential Tuition

Present:

• Jagath Kaluarachchi (College)
• Rose Hu (BE/College)
• Marv Halling (CEE)
• Levi Leckie (Business Services)
• Isabelle Santini-Haddock (Engineering Senator)
• Maddie White (E-Council President)

Minutes:

Jagath started the meeting by explaining the purpose of the annual meeting and how differential tuition differs from course fees. He stated that we can have some carryforward with differential tuition. He mentioned that the amount collected is directly tied to enrollment and that we want to be transparent with how the college is using the funds.

Levi presented the differential tuition distribution data and discussed the amounts spent by each department and the corresponding areas of focus such as TA wages, supplies, etc. It was indicated that per the original proposal, differential tuition cannot be used to pay salaries of tenure track faculty, but funds can be used to hire or pay salaries of teaching faculty such as lecturers, adjunct faculty, and professional practice professors, which Isabelle commented on as well. It was stated that when looking at the funds collected from FY23 alone and the associated expenses, some departments appear to have a deficit, but this does not account for carryforward from previous years. It was discussed that departments can have large periodic expenses such as equipment, upgrades, etc. and this is where the differential tuition can be beneficial.

Isabelle mentioned that the students are thrilled with where their differential tuition is being spent in the CoE.

Jagath stated to Isabelle and Maddie that as they are speaking with other students they can share this information or if students have more questions, they are free to ask the college.

Marv asked if the rate per credit will increase, and Levi and Jagath mentioned that this is tied to the overall USU tuition rates, which have not increased in recent years due to the Utah Legislature putting a freeze on tuition increases.

Jagath mentioned that TA wages have increased as well, though the differential tuition rate has not. Levi stated that the vast majority of DT expenses are on TA/instructor/Grader wages, which is very important.

The general consensus was that funds are being used in allowable ways and that students are receiving benefits from differential tuition funds.

Differential Tuition Summary for the 2022-2023 School Year

Total Differential Tuition Received $713,393

Uses of Differential Tuition

Differential Tuition received for the 2022-2023 school year was used to support the following:

• Support TA’s/Graders/Tutors
• Provide supplies/equipment for class projects/labs
• Support college-wide clubs and departmental clubs
• Equipment Upgrades
• Adjunct Instructors
• Senior Design Support
• Engineering Writing Center
• Support the IDEA/Metal Factory

Differential Tuition Funds Allocations

Differential Tuition funds were allocated to the academic departments based on the student credit hour enrollment. 20% was allocated to the Dean’s Office for support at the college level.