Issue 4: Tuition
Every issue, The Maneater will choose a topic important to students and ask the Missouri Students Association presidential candidates to explain what they plan to do about it.
Published Oct. 30, 2007
Dustin Barker
Jessica Ekhoff
Although Missouri Students Association presidential candidate Dustin Barker and vice presidential candidate Jessica Ekhoff said they do not think tuition can easily be lowered, they said they will try their best to work for students and oppose increases.
"We absolutely want to advocate for student concerns," Barker said. "That's what we're here for. We're not opposed to butting heads with the administration and we will stand up for what we believe in, and will also maintain respect for our administrators in order to get things done."
A key issue concerning tuition is the large difference between in-state tuition and out-of-state tuition.
"We would publicize the possibility of gaining in-state tuition for out-of-state students," Barker said.
The requirements for residency change from semester to semester, which makes it difficult for students to realize what they actually need to do, Ekhoff said. "We would direct all out-of-state students with questions regarding gaining residency directly to admissions, which is really the only department with constantly updated information," she said.
The slate also said they would work closely with ASUM on issues regarding tuition.
"We don't want to step on their toes," Ekhoff said. "They do a great job, and we want to offer our support on any matters where we may be able to help."
Jim Kelley
Chelsea Johnson
MSA presidential candidate Jim Kelley and vice presidential candidate Chelsea Johnson plan to work with Associated Students of the University of Missouri, the student curator and the Board of Curators to address concerns about tuition.
"We will work with them on a consistent basis to make sure our ideas and visions are conveyed powerfully," Kelley said. "We will take an active role in voicing our concerns to the administration and the state government."
The candidates described student tuition as "priority number one" with the Missouri legislature. Kelly said the slate hopes to keep student costs down and offer more scholarship money.
Kelley said the slate hopes to tackle out-of-state tuition while maintaining educational quality and competitiveness with other universities.
They will also work with the Office of Admissions to publicize the residency process to out-of-state students.
"In order for students to take full advantage of it, they need to be made aware of it as soon as they find out they want to go here," Kelley said. "Families need to be involved in that process. We want to work with admissions to make sure students understand their options."
