It’s a political life

The legislative season starts in the New Year, and I thought students might be interested in how activities in Salem relate to their lives. Governor Kulongoski released his proposed budget this month and state legislators will either approve or amend what was submitted.

A quick overview of the implications of this budget for higher education finds the Governor requesting more money for public higher education than in recent biennia. The state government works on a two-year cycle called a biennium, and the proposed budget finds higher education in a better funding position than its been since 1999. That’s great news, but it isn’t a done deal.

Part of the Governor’s plan, as I’ve mentioned before is to provide more Oregon Opportunity Grants for students. This helps offset tuition costs. One of the most important factors in the legislative work yet to be done is to ensure that state support is available, through tax dollars, to prevent the escalation of tuition costs.

I never thought, as a scientist, that I would be involved in political work – but the reality is life is political. Students need to become involved and let their legislators know what they think about the higher education budget and other issues. Part of the university experience is the opportunity to become a more active citizen.

OIT will hold a rally day in Salem on Thursday, Feb. 8. I encourage students to contact ASOIT, or the Public Affairs office, to see how to participate. We want to show our legislators how proud we are of OIT, and what we can do together to delivery quality education at OIT.

If you would like more information about the education budget, see the Governor’s Web page and the Oregon University System Web page.

Happy New Year.

Responding to anonymous

I am hoping that the blog environment we want to create encourages open dialogue. Of course, anonymous posting is still appropriate. There is concern that several of the communications are not on the discussion topic; yet knowing your thoughts and concerns are important enough to ask that you send them through the "Contact Us" site on the Web. Previously, we have had an "OIT is Listening" site which was superseded by "Contact Us."

Rules of engagement

Since there is beginning to be a trend of anonymous feedback posts, I want to set some ground rules around this blog.

First, we are in a learning environment. There is no need for anonymity, if information is shared.

Next, this is not a forum for grousing. We need to stay on the topic at hand. If you have any concerns that are not on topic, please address them in the "Contact Us" area of the Web site. Your issues will be dealt with there.

Have a blessed holiday season.

Further thoughts on CASHNet

The responses about CASHNet are thought provoking. Since all three posts were submitted by Anonymous correspondents, I’ll direct my attention to the post with questions.

OIT’s Business Office estimates saving about $50,000 per year, when the system is fully implemented, in mailing and other costs associated with billing. The costs savings are realized by students, as it helps offset the rise of tuition costs. While the convenience fee associated with using a credit card seems to be an unexpected cost, you must realize that every business transaction utilizing a credit card results in a transaction fee paid by the consumer. OIT is being transparent with this cost, while you won’t see it on your Amazon.com statement. Our society is becoming more attuned to an electronic marketplace, and it is only fitting that OIT join this trend.

I realize that the cost of education is a concern for all students and their families. The implementation of CASHNet seeks to reduce the administrative costs associated with doing the daily business of the university.

As I said in October, OIT administration and the Chancellor’s Office are working to help make higher education more affordable. Part of this work is targeting the Oregon Opportunity Grant for more students. Governor Kulongoski has indicated that the Oregon median family income figures should be used in determining appropriate tuition rates.

Tuition costs have increased at a more rapid rate than family incomes; this is due, in part, to the reduction of state support for higher education. The Governor’s proposed budget places higher education in the best place it’s been since 1999. Providing more money for the Oregon Opportunity Grant will help offset the tuition costs of low- and middle-income students.

According to OIT’s Financial Aid Office, students should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), by Jan. 15, 2007, for priority consideration.

The landscape of public education is changing. There are many more public-private partnerships and all Oregon University System institutions are pursuing private funding for special projects and initiatives.

Please realize that tuition costs will probably never decrease, but work is being done to make education more affordable, and accessible, to everyone.