WSU looking at possible 23% tuition hike

WINONA, Minn., Dec. 9, 2001 -- Top executives at Winona State University have laid out a bleak financial picture for the year ahead with perhaps a 23 percent tuition increase. That tops President Darrell Krueger's guesstimate of 14 percent in September. The recession-triggered drop in state revenues has worsened the situation, university Comptroller Scott Ellinghuysen told student senators. Where does he get 23 percent? Ellinghuysen offered these figures: > This year the university received $29.1 million in state funds for its base budget. > Next year the base is scheduled to increase $3.2 million, but changes in salaries, utilities and other fundamental expenses will leave a $1.7 million less. > With a $1.7 million deficit, tuition would have to be raised 8 percent. > If Gov. Jesse Ventura and the Legislature respond to declining state tax revenue with a 5 percent budget cut, as has been discussed, the university could lose $3.2 million. > A 5 percent budget cut from St. Paul would necessitate a 15 percent increase in tuition to make up the shortfall. > A 10 percent budget cut from St. Paul, considered a worst-case scenario, would necessitate a 23 percent tuition increase -- about $725 for a typical student. Reporter: Shannon Passaglia Background: WSU eyeing 14 percent tuition hike

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WINONA, Minn., Dec. 9, 2001 -- Public relations prof John Weis said he believes Winona State University students shouldn't have much trouble finding a job when they graduate despite the current recession. "Fifty-two percent of business in America has 50 employees or less, and these businesses have a need for a single person who can handle internal and external communication," Weis said. Weis said public relations professionals are helped by the current trend of customer service. Although he does believe his students will be prepared for the work world, Weis did say that the contraction that occurs during a recession affects entry-level positions the most. Weis believes that the job market, excluding the travel sector, will recover by the spring. He also said that his public relations students will be more prepared because his classes are taught from a business perspective. "I teach public relations students what they will need to know for the real world," Weis said. He said he treats them like business people who "will be the company's face." Weis added that he believes the media have blown the recession out of proportion. He points to the rebounding stock market and new housing increases as key indicators that the recession will end soon.

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