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Saginaw Valley State University

June 18, 2019

SVSU Board approves tuition increase of $505

The Saginaw Valley State University Board of control approved a tuition increase of $505 for in-state undergraduate students as part of the 2019-20 general fund operating budget adopted during the Board's regular meeting Monday, June 17.

A Michigan undergraduate student taking 30 credits will pay $10,813 for the upcoming academic year. SVSU will continue to have the lowest tuition among the 15 Michigan public universities for 2019-20, even after the increase of 4.9 percent takes effect.

“We are committed to supporting our hard-working students and preparing them for the careers that await them,” said Donald Bachand, SVSU president. “That requires sufficient resources to ensure our programs remain of the highest quality to meet students’ expectations, while understanding the challenging financial circumstances many students and families face.

“We will continue to have the lowest base tuition in the state, even after this increase, and we have made strategic investments to increase the scholarships and financial aid we make available to students. Our budget is based on the guidelines set by the Michigan Senate. We are prepared to adjust if the final state budget differs when it is passed.”

The Board also approved a three-year contract with the Police Officers Association of Michigan, which represents University Police patrol officers. The deal calls for officers to receive wage increases of 2 percent for each year of the contract, and health insurance coverage equivalent to administrative/professional staff.

“The men and women of University Police do an outstanding job maintaining the safety of our campus community, and we think this is a fair contract,” Bachand said.

The Board of Control also approved extending President Bachand’s employment contract through June 30, 2022.

“We as a Board are pleased with President Bachand's performance and the direction of the university,” said Jenee Velasquez, chair of the Board of Control.

“A healthy enrollment is critical to the university's present and future, and despite these challenging times, SVSU managed to grow its freshman class by 28 percent last year and is on pace for another strong class. President Bachand and his team also have done well to secure resources from donors and the state to support construction of an addition for the Carmona College of Business. We think extending President Bachand's contract at this time will allow the university to continue its positive momentum.”

In other action, the Board:

  • Passed a resolution to amend the charter of the SVSU Student Association.
  • Passed a resolution to change the name of the Scott L. Carmona College of Business & Management to the Scott L. Carmona College of Business.
  • Approved the reauthorization of public school academies.
  • Approved the confirmation of board members for previously authorized public school academies.
  • Authorized establishing a new public school academy, Sigma Academy for Leadership and Early College in Highland Park.
  • Authorized establishing Faxon Academy in Farmington Hills as a public school academy under SVSU’s auspices. The school had been authorized by Grand Valley State University.
  • Approved promotion for 16 faculty members. Promoted to the rank of professor are: John Baesler, history; Fenobia Dallas, rhetoric and professional writing; Olivier Heubo-Kwegna, mathematics; Mazen Jaber, marketing; Emily Kelley, art; Yu Liu, management; Jennifer McCullough, communication; Kaustav Misra, economics; and Matthew Vannette, physics. Promoted to associate professor are: Cal Borden, biology; Tammy Hill, nursing; Maureen Muchimba, health sciences; Travis Pashak, psychology; Sylvia Fromherz Sharp, biology; Izabela Szymanska, management; and Norm Wika, music.
  • Passed a resolution granting emerita status to Joni Boye-Beaman, who retired in 2018 after 19 years of service in faculty and administrative roles.
  • Passed a resolution to grant emeritus status to Gerald Peterson, who retired as professor of psychology in 2018 after 37 years of service.
  • Passed a resolution to approve a construction and completion assurance agreement, a conveyance of property, a lease and an easement agreement, if necessary, for the building addition under construction for the Carmona College of Business.
  • Passed a resolution authorizing the issuance and delivery of general revenue bonds.
  • Approved an updated parking and traffic ordinance.