Chancellor Martin’s proposal would shield some students from tuition hikes

Chancellor Biddy Martin, in a move to protect some low- and middle-income UW–Madison students from a proposed tuition hike, is asking to use $2.3 million from the increases for need-based financial aid.

Martin’s proposal, submitted to Board of Regents President Michael Spector and UW System President Kevin Reilly, would set aside a portion of 2011-12 tuition revenue at UW–Madison for need-based financial aid.

If approved, Martin’s proposal would hold harmless from the proposed 5.5 percent tuition increases students from families with household incomes of less than $80,000 from the increases.

To achieve that goal, Martin says the university would need to set aside $2,308,407 from the revenue generated by the tuition increase that was proposed this week by UW System.

Martin has been a champion of need-based financial aid and has worked tirelessly to generate new sources of that aid. The chancellor said that commitment reflects the university’s strategic priorities and initiatives.

“We must make sure UW–Madison remains affordable and accessible to students of all income levels,” Martin said in a July 8 letter to Spector and Reilly. “This means we must continue to provide adequate financial aid to students with the most need, especially at a time of declining state support for higher education.”

The chancellor’s proposal builds on the example of the Madison Initiative for Undergraduates, which was adopted by the regents in 2009. The initiative aims to boost the value, quality and affordability of an undergraduate education.

As part of the initiative, students from families making less than $80,000 a year and with demonstrated need were held harmless from a supplemental tuition charge which funds the initiative.

“Building on the MIU model will enable UW–Madison to continue to enrich the undergraduate experience, while also providing the much-needed diversity that is crucial to a quality education in the 21st century,” Martin’s letter states.

The Board of Regents is expected to take up the issue of 2011-12 tuition increases when it meets in Madison this Thursday and Friday.