Proposal grants SUNY tuition control

 Earlier this month, Gov. David Paterson proposed his plan to give State University of New York and City University of New York schools more autonomy, which includes giving the institutions the authority to set their own tuition rates.
   The Public Higher Education Empowerment and Innovation Act is part of the governor’s 2010-11 Executive Budget and, if approved, would allow SUNY and CUNY to receive all revenues generated from potential tuition increases. Recently, that revenue has been used to help close the state’s budget gap.
   According to a press release from the governor’s office, “Governor Paterson’s proposal would take politics out of a tuition setting and institute a rational policy that makes the cost of public higher education more equitable and predictable for students and families. The reforms also provide SUNY and CUNY with greater operational independence consistent with their mission so that they can adapt and thrive in an ever-changing innovation economy.”
   The proposal also lets SUNY and CUNY set different tuition rates based on degree programs and allow these institutions to lease land through public and private partnerships.
   Officials at the University at Albany have voiced their support for the proposal.
   “[Paterson’s] proposal will enable us to foster new opportunities for students, faculty and researchers across the university,” UAlbany President George Philip said in a news release. “It will further strengthen our ability to harness the power of our research and scholarship, and contribute immeasurably to the state’s economic recovery. We are confident this plan will provide meaningful benefits for UAlbany, the greater Capital region and the state of New York.”
   In addition, both SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher and CUNY Chancellor Matthew Goldstein are in support of the plan. Whether or not the proposal will draw support from the Legislature is still unknown.
   “I commend Governor Paterson for his leadership in bringing forward the Public Higher Education Empowerment and Innovation Act,” Zimpher said in a statement. “This legislation harnesses high-impact, zero-cost solutions that will create jobs, build the foundation for tomorrow’s economy and strengthen public higher education – while saving millions of taxpayer dollars.”
   According to a SUNY estimate the plan would create more than 2,200 faculty positions, 7,000 staff positions and 43,000 construction jobs.
   There are still some who are wary of plan, which allows institutions to act as they wish when it comes to setting tuition rates.
   “The governor’s proposal is dangerous because it makes a tuition hike a first step instead of a last resort,” said Willow Burns, treasurer of the UAlbany Chapter of NYPIRG. “It would force low and middle income students out of the university.”
   Last spring, the tuition for SUNY was increased by $620 annually.
   As part of his budget proposal, Paterson proposed cutting $148.8 million for four-year schools and $285 per student in aid for those who attend community colleges. In addition, the Tuition Assistance Program grants would be cut by $75 per student.