Advertisement

Roo News

The Student News Site of University of Missouri - Kansas City

Roo News

Roo News

Pedro Rodriguez.
Finding a New Home
Gracey Saavedra, Staff Writer • November 17, 2023

  UMKC senior and finance major Pedro Rodiguez knows first-hand how difficult it can be to assimilate into a new university.    As a...

The Epperson House is closed to visitors, but can be seen from the distance around campus.
The Spooky History of the Castle on Campus
Aurora Wilson, Lifestyle and Culture Editor • October 31, 2023

  Located at the corner of Cherry and 52 St., the Epperson House looms over UMKC’s campus, haunting students who dare to walk past it.    Construction...

Dr. Villamandos and Dr. Grieco in front of Sancho Panza in the Twentieth Century
UC Berkeley Art Historian To Speak on Historic Haag Murals
Lauren Zoller, Staff Writer • October 30, 2023

  A University of California Berkeley art historian will present her research on Luis Quintanilla, a world-renowned artist whose murals have...

Tayler and the cast sit as they prepare for more filming.
You Are Now Leaving Godly
Lydia Schneider, Staff Writer • October 20, 2023

  Tayler Gilbert, UMKC senior and professional photographer, is putting the final touches on his new film, “Welcome to Godly.”    Gilbert...

Abigail Weiler holds her business card.
Clayful by Abbie
Gracey Saavedra, Staff Writer • October 18, 2023

 Abigail Weiler, fourth-year political science and French major at UMKC, delivers confidence in the form of handmade polymer clay jewelry.    Her...

UMKC tuition and fees rise 2.3%

UMKC+tuition+and+fees+rise+2.3%25

While navigating the uncharted territory of new safety guidelines on campus and a mixture of hybrid, online and face-to-face classes, students at UMKC will face another big challenge: the cost of attendance has jumped again. Tuition and fees are up 2.3%

UNews spoke with a few students and school representatives to discuss whether the rise in tuition is ethical in this time of crisis. 

Student Government Association President Brandon Henderson backed the school’s position while also defending students. 

“I would not say it is unethical for UMKC to charge students full tuition for this upcoming semester. There is a very common misconception that it’s cheaper to teach a class online versus in-person, and this simply isn’t true,” Henderson said. “The cost of providing the class is either the exact same or in some instances more expensive, since online classes require more advanced preparation than a typical in-person class.”

However, Henderson does not believe the university should raise tuition, given the circumstances. 

“I think it was wrong of them to raise tuition,” he said. “I understand why they did it, but I think that the university should have substituted the tuition increase for more budget cuts. Raising tuition right now sends a horrible message and will only burden students more.”

Bosten Arcand, a senior English major, said the move demonstrated a lack of care by the university.

“I do believe it shows that UMKC regards their students with less consideration than they say. Every email throughout the end of spring 2020 and the summer contained a student-conscious tone, claiming our needs would be met,” Arcand said. “Higher tuition rates are obviously not meeting the needs of students. It is not the university’s fault that they are losing money, but neither is it the students’ fault. Thus, UMKC seems to be caring more about its bank account instead of the needs of its students.”

Henderson pointed out that much of UMKC’s financial fate is tied to the state of Missouri’s budget, and that the General Assembly’s decision to cut higher education didn’t help.

“I do not blame UMKC for our financial situation. I think the blame for that rests squarely on Governor Parson and our leaders in the Missouri General Assembly who have continually defunded higher education, cut taxes, and ignored warnings that our state was not prepared for a financial crisis should one come our way,” Henderson said. “We are now reaping what those politicians sowed.”

UMKC spokesman John Martellaro said the cost of faculty salaries left the university with little choice but to raise tuition.

“By far the single most important factor in classroom instruction in terms of both quality and cost, is our faculty.” Martellaro said. “Students continue to have their courses taught by our excellent faculty. That is the primary reason for maintaining the tuition rate. Our overriding goal is to provide all of our students with an engaging and meaningful college experience, despite the pandemic.”

Martellaro also mentioned the abrupt move to online courses during the spring semester and how the faculty must be prepared to go back online this fall.

“Things will be different this coming fall. Our faculty have been engaged in professional development this summer and consulting with experienced online course designers to enhance their skills in designing and delivering online courses,” Martellaro said. “I will also point out that preparing online and hybrid courses is even more time-intensive for faculty than traditional face-to-face courses.”

[email protected]

Leave a Comment
Donate to Roo News

Your donation will support the student journalists of University of Missouri - Kansas City. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.

More to Discover
Donate to Roo News

Comments (0)

All Roo News Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *