News
Luna board approves tuition increase
The Luna Community College Board of Trustees this week approved a plan that will increase tuition rates while keeping it one of the most affordable in the nation.
By a 6-1 vote, the board approved a plan that will raise tuition by 6 percent each of the next five years starting in the 2020-21 academic year.
While most other colleges and universities have raised tuition rates every year, Luna has avoided increases over time. In recommending the increase, Luna President Dr. Rolando Rael said the additional revenues will help the college continue to fund quality instruction and service while keeping costs relatively inexpensive for students.
“We want to keep building strong programs for our students that give them every opportunity to succeed,” Rael said, “and this plan will help support that mission. At the same time, it remains important to us that a Luna education stays affordable for all.”
The cost per credit hour will go from $38 to $40.28 (in-district) this fall under the plan approved by the board. The out-of-district rate will go from $41 to $43.46 a credit hour, while the out-of-state rate goes from $91 to $96.46 a credit hour.
Among the other business addressed in Tuesday afternoon’s meeting, the trustees discussed budget recommendations and the adoption of new board policies. Trustees unanimously approved Policy 1600, which specifies annual training for board members, helping them more fully understand their roles and functions. The board also agreed to establish an ad hoc committee to review board policies, with representation from administration, shared governance and the board itself. The board tabled action on Policy 1520, sending a couple of proposed changes back to shared governance for review and approval. Policy 1520 would designate a specific place for representatives of various campus constituencies to participate in future trustee meetings.
Due to the restrictions on public gatherings imposed by state government in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tuesday’s meeting was held with only four board members physically present on campus; the other three board members participated via teleconferencing technology. As with other Luna trustee meetings, it was available to the public via live streaming on the college’s YouTube page.