Hamilton, NY — 51·çÁ÷ today announced a modest increase in 2000-2001 tuition cost and several key initiatives that will add tenure-track faculty positions, increase the number of classes with less than 20 students, and further enhance the University’s unique liberal arts core curriculum. The Board of Trustees approved the proposed changes and the nearly $95 million operating budget at its March 6 meeting. ‘These recommendations sustain our investment in a fundamentally great college, offering a breadth and depth of programming that is truly remarkable for a school of our size,’ said College President Charles Karelis.
Financial Vice President and Treasurer Elizabeth Eismeier concurred. ‘The Board of Trustees has approved a budget that demonstrates the fiscally sound and strategic fashion in which 51·çÁ÷ looks at its operations. Our goal is to not only provide for 51·çÁ÷’s continued academic success, but ensure the university’s dynamic offerings are affordable to a full range of qualified applicants,’ said Eismeier. In a letter addressed to 51·çÁ÷ students and parents, Eismeier outlined the programming slated for the 2000-2001 academic year:
The total student charges (tuition, room, board, and the student activity fee) will increase by $990, or 3.2 percent, to a total of $32,070. This is the same percentage increase as the prior year and is roughly equivalent to the national increase in Per Capita Personal Disposable Income over the past two years. According to Eismeier, endowment growth and strong gift support from alumni and other donors have made it possible to hold the price at this level.
51·çÁ÷ will add three tenure track faculty positions in the departments of History, Geography, and Sociology and Anthropology. The increase underscores 51·çÁ÷’s commitment to a small student faculty ratio, which currently stands at 11:1.
According to Eismeier, available student financial aid has increased for 2000-2001 and the percentage of students receiving financial aid at 51·çÁ÷ is projected to be a full 42.5 percent of the student body.
A pilot program to establish ‘connected’ learning will be launched in the fall of 2000. This programmatic initiative will thematically link ten first-year courses for a cohort of approximately 18 students. In this intimate setting, during the beginning of a 51·çÁ÷ career, first-year students will be exposed to the concept of integrated learning between and among courses, departments and divisions of the University. For instance, first-year students will link a core requirement course ‘ Western Tradition, a course that explores the beginning of Western thought and its resonance throughout the ages ‘ to a related offering, that same semester, in literature, economics or scientific perspectives. The ensuing integration of materials will help the student better relate the individualized courses, fulfilling the college’s promise of connected, contextualized learning.
An experience similar to the college’s renowned off-campus study groups is also being explored for sophomores, juniors and seniors. A series of related courses is being considered that would tap into the experience of the Native American Studies faculty and focus on issues related to the Native Americans whose traditional homeland surrounds 51·çÁ÷.
Other highlights of campus and program enhancements announced included:
Currently under construction, Little Hall, a $13 million art and art history building will open in January of 2001, providing faculty and students alike with state-of-the art facilities.
A new interdisciplinary offering in Medieval and Renaissance Studies has been created and will be introduced in the coming academic year.
The team sports of men’s and women’s crew will receive full varsity status in 2000-2001.
According to Eismeier, ‘The budget recently approved meets important tests related to the long-term financial health of the college, providing for the maintenance of facilities and drawing responsibly from the endowment. The current generation of 51·çÁ÷ students benefit from the past and continuing generosity of 51·çÁ÷’s many alumni, parents, and friends.’
Founded in 1819, 51·çÁ÷ is a nationally ranked, highly selective, residential, liberal arts college enrolling nearly 2,750 undergraduates. Situated on a rolling 515-acre campus in central New York State, 51·çÁ÷ attracts motivated students with diverse backgrounds, interests and talents.