Westfield State University To Increase Student Fees, Reduce Costs

Westfield State University will likely increase undergraduate tuition and fees for the next academic school year, masslive.com reported.

The school's trustees are expected to approve a $150 or $200 increase in student fees this week. School President Elizabeth Preston told masslive.com that an increase is certain.

Preston said that although the university is aware of concerns about college affordability, state funding for the school has been lacking over the years.

"I don't think that there's any prospect of a different outcome," Preston said. "I would say Westfield especially in the last couple of years has made affordability a priority. This has gotten complicated as state funding diminishes."

Part of the tuition hike will go towards Westfield State's new science center, which is expected to cost $48 million, and the rest would "offset about a quarter of the $1 million in unfunded personnel costs facing the school next year," masslive.com reported.

To save funds, the school also plans on creating an incentive programs so they can eliminate positions or replace long-time or tenured professors and faculty with "cheaper replacements," according to masslive.com. This would save the university between $750,000 and $1 million in costs. Whether or not this plan to cut labor costs will be implemented depends on the trustees' vote.

Preston said the program will be announced this week and will not target any particular departments or positions.

Student Government Association President Evelyn Dina told masslive.com that although students are aware and understanding of the need for an increase in student fees, she hopes the school makes affordability a top priority.

"We take great pride in being a part of such a beautiful and cultivating university," Dina is quoted as saying by masslive.com. "One thing we love most about Westfield State University is that it provides students with an affordable public education, and I hope that we do not lose sight of this through the university budget process."

A decision is expected to be made on Thursday.