The University’s Board of Trustees has approved a tuition increase for UA students, as well as students of the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
For in-state residents, tuition at UA will increase $150 per semester, bringing the total cost of tuition for each semester to $5,235. However, rates for non-resident UA students will increase by $500 for each semester, meaning a semester’s tuition will now cost $13,475 for those students.
Meanwhile, tuition for resident and non-resident students at UAB will rise $170 and $444 respectively.
According to University financial reports, at the end of fiscal year 2015 the University had $770,632,974 in total operating revenues. The year before, the University had $713,537,901 in total operating revenues and $659,901,509 the year before that. When scholarships are subtracted, the University gained $65,774,348 in revenue generated from tuition and fees. Despite these increases in revenue, the Board still found the tuition increase necessary. During their June 17 meeting, the board also approved the construction of a new sport technology research center. According to a university press release, the Integrative Center for Athletic and Sport Technology (I-CAST) will be devoted to developing new technologies to reduce injury and enhance the recovery process.
The board also approved of multiple construction projects at the meeting.
First, a $25,988,715 south campus residential parking deck construction project was approved, as well as the preliminary budget for the creation of a new freshman residence hall at 810 2nd Street. The preliminary budget estimates the total cost of the project to be $42,607,825. Upon the residence hall’s completion, plans to replace Tutwiler hall will proceed.
In addition, the board also green lighted the preliminary budget for a $12,000,000 dinning addition in the Mal Moore Athletic Facility.
The board also issued revised budget for the renovation of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, as well as a budget reallocation for the renovation of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. Previously, the board allocated $11,300,000 for the Alpha Omicron Pi construction. Now, $15,000,000 has been allocated for the renovation of Alpha Omicron.
Friday, the board recognized UA System Chancellor Robert Witt by naming him president emeritus of the University. Witt was unanimously appointed President of the University in 2003. Witt held the position until he stepped down in 2012 and was subsequently elected Chancellor of the University of Alabama System. Friday marked the last Board of Trustees at which Witt would serve as chancellor.
The next Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for September 22-23.
