|
MDC STUDENTS HOLD RALLY IN SUPPORT OF GOVERNOR, LEGISLATURE AND LOCAL STATE DELEGATION FOR LISTENING TO THEM AND IMPLEMENTING THE MUCH NEEDED TUITION INCREASE
Miami, Oct. 11, 2007 – In a strong show of support, dozens of Miami Dade College students led by Wolfson Campus Student Government Association (SGA) president Felipe Matos, held a rally on Thursday, Oct. 11, at noon, at the Wolfson Campus, in front of the fountain at Building 1, to thank Governor Crist, the State House and Senate leadership, and, especially, the Miami-Dade State Legislative Delegation for listening to them and minimizing the budget cuts for community colleges statewide, particularly Miami Dade College. The students strongly support the proposed 5% tuition increase which will help ensure they will continue getting the quality educational services to which they are accustomed at Florida’s outstanding community colleges.
“Normally, students would not support raising tuition. However, these are extreme times and the increase will go a long way in making sure that the quality Miami Dade College is known for remains in place,” said Matos. “The spike in enrollment, the rising costs of utilities and operations and other challenges are certainly mitigated by the increase. We appreciate the efforts of the Governor and Legislature.”
Matos spoke to participants and led the rally. He is also encouraging his counterparts statewide to do the same.
The special legislative session will come to a close this Friday, and there appears to be agreement on the budget reductions for community colleges and the proposed tuition increase. Community colleges stand to receive a reduction in operating budgets of $18.9M statewide; the net effect to MDC is $3.1M. This includes significant non-recurring funds, which is of considerable concern for the 2008-09 fiscal year. A 5% increase in tuition will net $1.9M for MDC, which will help cushion the cuts.
“The increase will be an extra $2.80 per college credit for Miami Dade College students. And for students on financial aid, the federal PELL grant will cover the increase. There is also other financial aid available through the College,” added Matos.
For more information: Felipe Matos, Wolfson Campus SGA president 305-527-5574 or felipe.matos@mdc.edu or Victoria Hernandez, MDC director of governmental affairs 305-298-4878 or vhernand@mdc.edu
Media-only contacts: Juan Mendieta, MDC director of communications (305) 237-7611 or jmendiet@mdc.edu or Beverly C. Rodrigues, MDC director of media relations (305) 237-3949 or brodrigu@mdc.edu
MDC STUDENTS HOLD RALLY IN SUPPORT OF GOVERNOR, LEGISLATURE AND LOCAL STATE DELEGATION FOR LISTENING TO THEM AND IMPLEMENTING THE MUCH NEEDED TUITION INCREASE
In a strong show of support, dozens of Miami Dade College students led by Wolfson Campus Student Government Association (SGA) president Felipe Matos, held a rally on Thursday, Oct. 11, at noon, at the Wolfson Campus, in front of the fountain at Building 1, to thank Governor Crist, the State House and Senate leadership, and, especially, the Miami-Dade State Legislative Delegation for listening to them and minimizing the budget cuts for community colleges statewide, particularly Miami Dade College. The students strongly support the proposed 5% tuition increase which will help ensure they will continue getting the quality educational services to which they are accustomed at Florida’s outstanding community colleges.
|
|