BLINN TRUSTEES TO DISCUSS INCREASING 2021-22 TUITION, FEES

  

A pair of meetings are planned today (Tuesday) for the Blinn Board of Trustees to discuss possible increases to tuition and fees for the 2021-22 Fiscal Year.

Trustees will first meet for a workshop on potential changes to rates for the new fiscal year.  They will then vote on the changes in regular session.

An increase of $2 per semester credit hour has been proposed by college administrators for in-district, out-of-district and non-resident tuition.  The tuition and general fee increase would create approximately $1.5 million in additional annual revenue, which would be used to offset some of the increase in operating costs.

Proposed housing rates for the new fiscal year average an increase of 3 percent.  The College will reduce the number of beds available to comply with social distancing restrictions, and plans to offer some double occupancy housing options.  Despite the average room increase, the College anticipates annual housing revenue would drop approximately $652,000.

Food service rates are proposed to increase 2 percent per plan, per semester.  Administrators will reduce the number of meal plans to mirror the reduced number of beds available in student housing.  The College estimates a reduction in annual food service revenue of approximately $604,000.

Also at today's regular meeting, the board will:

• Consider contracts for the relocation of football fieldhouse functions and updates to the Spencer Field Block on the Brenham Campus.
• Mull a contract for the purchase of Information Technology and Audio-Visual equipment for the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Innovation (STEI) Building on the Brenham Campus.
• Consider a contract for a fiber extension project on the Brenham Campus.
• Potentially approve contracts for fire alarm upgrades at the Brenham and Bryan Campuses.
• Receive a presentation of the Title IV Compliance and Student Activity audit report related to the districtwide risk assessment effort.
• Discuss creation of the Star of the Republic Museum Advisory Committee.
• Consider an amended agreement with the Schulenberg Economic Development Corporation.
• Hear administrative, financial, enrollment and housing reports. Trustees will also hear updates on the RELLIS Campus and on College District facilities impacted by the recent winter storms.

The board will hold the workshop at 4 p.m. and its regular meeting at 5 p.m.  Public access will be limited to Rooms 2 and 3 of the Brenham Campus Student Center.  A livestream will be available on Blinn College’s YouTube channel.