Monday, April 16, 2007, Issue 11
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Regents approve tuition increase

by Courtney Bullard, co-associate editor

 

Tuition for Fall 2007 is going up for the first time since 2003.

The South Plains College Board of Regents voted to raise tuition by $6 per credit hour during their April meeting because the Texas Senate has decreased funding for community colleges.

“Unfortunately, appropriations from the state was not enough to meet our needs,” said Dr. Sharp, president of South Plains College. “We’re asking for an increase to move forward with the positions we need to fill, equipment we need to replace, and most importantly, pay increases for faculty and staff.”

The Regents expressed how important it is that that the college continues to provide affordable education, but they want to continue to maintain a quality environment for students.

“I hope it doesn’t cause any barriers for students,” said Dr. Sharp.

The increase will be in the instructional support fee, which means that the tuition for all students will be raised, including in-district, out-of-district and non-resident students.

For the past three years, the average student taking 30 hours for two semesters would pay $2,312.  The tuition increase will bring it to $2,402.

In other action, the Board was presented with the curriculum revisions for Fall 2007 as well. Recently, Texas Tech changed its mechanical engineering curriculum.  It will now except transfer credits for the major. Students have the opportunity to take dual-credit automotive classes in high school, which will then transfer to SPC and to Texas Tech. Darrell Grimes, the vice president of academic affairs at SPC, said this is the first technical credit Texas Tech is accepting, though and they expect more in the future, for majors such as electrical engineering. 

 

Vigil sheds light on child abuse

by Courtney Bullard, co-associate editor

 

 

In recognition of Child Abuse Awareness Month, the student organizations at  South Plains College hosted a candle light vigil.

Students came together in the Sundown Room of the Student Center on April 3 to light candles in memory of all children who have suffered from child abuse.

The evening began with a welcome and prayer by Julie Scott, vice president of  Phi Theta Kappa, followed by the “Star Spangled Banner,” which was sung by Latrice Price, vice president of the Black Students Organization. Ashley Martinez, president of the Student Government Association, then explained why the color blue was used for Child Abuse Awareness Month. 

According to Martinez, in 1989, Bonnie Finnie from Virginia tied a blue ribbon on her car antenna as a constant symbol to represent the bruises that are left on the bodies of abused children after her grandson died as a result of child abuse. Martinez struggled with her words as she told this story, before listing the statistics and the many ways to help. Chris Spence, the president of the Gay/Straight Alliance, also read a poem. 

The vigil also featured guest speaker Hockley County District Attorney Gary Goff, who spoke about his own encounters with child abuse cases.

“Don’t try to get your mind around the 1.1 million children,” Goff said in reference to the 1.1 million cases of child abuse reported. “Think of one he or she needs your compassion, concern, and your life.”

The other guest speaker was Court Appointed Special Advocate Beth Parsly.

“Lubbock has the highest amount of confirmed cases of child abuse in this area,” said Parsly, “twice as many as Dallas.” 

Parsly also said that CASA is always looking for volunteers. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and pass a criminal background check. They also ask for a year’s commitment to the program, if possible.


 
  
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