NSCS approves 3.5% tuition increase

 The 3.5 percent increase translates to an additional per semester cost of $71.25 for an undergraduate resident full-time student taking 15 credit hours. Graduate resident students will pay an additional $6 per credit hour for on-campus graduate courses.

The Board also approved an increase in tuition of $10 per credit hour for undergraduate online courses and an increase of $12.50 per credit hour for graduate online courses. This translates into a 5 percent increase in tuition for online courses.

For the first time, a system-wide rate was approved for dual enrollment courses offered by the Nebraska State Colleges. Dual enrollment courses, sometimes referred to as early entry courses, are offered to eligible high school juniors and seniors who wish to get a head start on their college careers or take an advanced course not available at their high school. High school students taking advantage of dual enrollment courses offered by the state colleges will now pay $50 per credit hour.

NSCS Chancellor Stan Carpenter said, “The NSCS will continue to focus on affordable, high quality education for our students. Faculty and staff at Chadron, Peru and Wayne State Colleges can be proud of their efforts to provide opportunities that make a difference in the lives of their students. Education is a game changer and the State Colleges are committed to our students, the state of Nebraska and the surrounding regions we serve.”

The Board also adopted a resolution appointing Dr. Randy Rhine to serve as interim president of Chadron State College. Rhine’s appointment is effective May 12 and continues until June 30, 2013. Rhine’s career at CSC began in 2005 when he came to CSC to provide leadership in reversing CSC’s enrollment decline and in designing initiatives targeting CSC’s mission of access and affordable quality. President Park recently announced her plans to retire with her last day at Chadron on May 11.

Carpenter said, “I am pleased that Randy has agreed to serve as interim president at Chadron. He has demonstrated his commitment to serving students and understands the integral connection between CSC and the Chadron community. I look forward to working with him.”

During the past year, members of the college communities have worked with Bahr Vermeer Haecker and the Clark Enersen Partners to develop 10-year campus master plans for each of the state colleges. Planning efforts were overseen by Ed Hoffman, NSCS vice chancellor for facilities, planning and information technology. Dan Worth, BVH, and Joanne Kissel, Clark Enersen Partners, presented an overview of the master plans to the board and college representatives. Each of the master plans emphasized maintaining the uniqueness and heritage of the individual college campuses and building toward future needs.

“The planning process would not have been successful had folks not been willing to share and discuss ideas in an open and friendly manner. The resulting campus plans reflect the obvious work that needs to be done and the dreams of the work that should be done,” Hoffman said.