2023-2024 Differential Tuition

Present:

• David Jones (College)
• Thom Fronk (MAE/College)
• Jixun Zhan (BE)
• Levi Leckie (Business Services)
• Maddie Witte (Engineering Senator)

Minutes:

Levi started the meeting by explaining the purpose of the annual meeting and how differential tuition differs from course fees. This was the first meeting the new dean, David Jones, attended so it was educational for all.

Levi stated that we can have some carryforward with differential tuition. He mentioned that the amount collected is directly tied to enrollment and that we want to be transparent with how the college is using the funds. Thom Fronk also stated that this meeting is the opportunity for students to ask questions and provide feedback on the uses of differential tuition. Levi also stated that all of this information is posted to the College of Engineering website.

Levi presented the differential tuition distribution data and discussed the amounts spent by each department and the corresponding areas of focus such as TA wages, supplies, etc. It was indicated that per the original proposal, differential tuition cannot be used to pay salaries of tenure track faculty, but funds can be used to hire or pay salaries of teaching faculty such as lecturers, adjunct faculty, and professional practice professors, which Thom pointed out. The presentation was geared toward funds specifically collected for FY24, and the associated expenses. It was discussed that departments can have large periodic expenses such as equipment, upgrades, etc. and this is where the differential tuition can be beneficial and when there might be a carryforward balance.

Maddie mentioned that some students have questioned why the grad differential tuition is higher than the undergrad level.

David mentioned that the amount of funding we are collecting at this time hasn’t changed in several years and is not enough to make large, long-lasting impacts and asked the question if the rate should be increased to achieve different results. It was stated that such an increase would have to be decided by this committee.

TA wages have increased, though the differential tuition rate has not. Levi stated that the vast majority of DT expenses are on TA/instructor/Grader wages, which is very important.

The general consensus was that funds are being used in allowable ways and that students are receiving benefits from differential tuition funds.

Differential Tuition Summary for the 2023-2024 School Year

Total Differential Tuition Received $779,248

Uses of Differential Tuition

Differential Tuition received for the 2023-2024 school year was used to support the following:

• Support TA’s/Graders/Tutors
• Provide supplies/equipment for class projects/labs
• Support college-wide clubs and departmental clubs
• Equipment Upgrades
• Adjunct Instructors
• Senior Design Support
• Engineering Writing Center
• Support the IDEA/Metal Factory

Differential Tuition Funds Allocations

Differential Tuition funds were allocated to the academic departments based on the student credit hour enrollment. 20% was allocated to the Dean’s Office for support at the college level.