CCU still on track with building projects
Late September made for a tense time as state college and university administrators held their collective breath and waited for the S.C. Budget and Control Board to determine whether public colleges could continue with planned construction projects. The board voted to suspend capital projects at public colleges and universities that have raised tuition costs above the national Higher Education Price Index (HEPI) for public four-year and two-year institutions.Four-year colleges and universities that have raised tuition for in-state students more than 7 percent must roll back tuition to 7 percent by Spring 2011 in order to move forward with their projects.
Two-year colleges and universities that have raised tuition for in-state students more than 6.3 percent must roll back tuition to 6.3 percent by Spring 2011 in order to move forward with their projects.
Coastal Carolina University’s tuition increase of 4.92 percent was the third lowest of the state’s 12 four-year institutions. Tuition increases at state supported universities ranged from 4.38 percent to 14.75 percent.
For CCU, the decision means the construction of three major academic buildings and an energy facility can move forward. The projects are the Kenneth E. Swain Science Center, Kimbel Library Bryan Information Commons, an academic classroom and faculty office building, and an energy facility that will provide heating and cooling for all new construction and more. These projects are not funded with state-appropriations, but with tuition bonding, sales tax and private donations.
Following the vote, CCU board of trustees member Charlie Hodge wrote to President DeCenzo and his peers on the board: "Vision for the future and fiscal responsibility in keeping tuition raises to 7 percent or below is why Coastal progresses and others regress. Congratulations to the entire Coastal team -- it's a privilege to be associated with you."
