Grand Valley State University's Board of Trustees approved the university's operating budget for next year at its meeting on June 25. For the third year in a row, university operating costs per student will increase at or below inflation.
"I'm very proud of this campus community for its continued commitment to operational efficiency," said President Mark A. Murray. "Grand Valley remains the second lowest cost provider of education among the public universities. We continue to offer a high quality educational experience very efficiently. It is our outstanding faculty and staff who make this possible."
In adopting the university budget, the Board of Trustees accepted a recommendation from Murray to limit its tuition increase for the next academic year to 2.4 percent, contingent on the state fulfilling its stated goal of increasing university funding by 3 percent. If the state is able to meet that goal, tuition for a full-time Michigan resident freshman will go up just $67 for a total of $2,891 per semester.
This move marks a formal endorsement of the intent announced in February: Grand Valley would agree to Gov. Jennifer Granholm's request, supported by the House and Senate, to cap tuition increases to the rate of inflation in return for a 3 percent increase in state funding.
"I'm very proud of the team here at Grand Valley," said Board Chair Dorothy A. Johnson. "Parents and students at Grand Valley can be confident they are getting a very good value for their tuition dollar."
Final action on the state budget has not been taken, but is expected in the next few weeks. "We understand the state is facing a budget challenge, and there are many good programs competing for limited dollars," said Murray. "We're pleased the governor and the Legislature have shown that higher education is a priority for the state and even though it will be difficult for Grand Valley, we will work with the 2.4 percent tuition increase. I am hopeful that as the budget work is completed, it will still be possible to meet the goal of a 3 percent increase in state funding."
In other Board action, Murray, along with all faculty and administrative and professional staff, will receive a 1.75 percent pay increase.
The board also appointed a new chair and vice chair. Jessie Dalman of Holland will succeed Chair Dorothy A. Johnson, who has completed almost three years in that role, and Daniel Aronoff of Birmingham will succeed Vice Chair Karen Henry Stokes. Johnson and Stokes will remain members of the Board. Dalman is a former state representative and Ottawa County Commissioner. Aronoff is Chairman and CEO of Landon Management Inc. of Bloomfield Hills.
