Gov. Herbert, Legislators, Higher Ed Officials to Address Student Leaders

Student leaders from throughout Utah gather Feb. 18 at the State Capitol building for a discussion about budget cuts, tuition increases and other higher education issues.

Gov. Herbert, Commissioner Sederburg and other public officials and legislators will speak to student leaders at an event sponsored by the Utah Student Association from noon to 4 p.m. in the State Capitol building, basement Room 70.

With FY 2011 and 2012 revenues, legislators are looking for ways to make up a $300+ million budget gap. Last year the average tuition and fees for students in Utah’s higher education institutions increased by ­­­­­­­7.59 percent (roughly an additional $280 per student), and students anticipate that next year’s tuition will not drastically increase.

“This is a critical time for higher education in Utah,” said Utah Student Association Executive Director Joseph Watkins. “It is essential our elected officials understand that maintaining access for students who desire to attend college needs to be a priority.

“This event is for our college and university student leaders to express the budgetary concerns of college students at all institutions in Utah.”

Schedule of event highlights:

Noon to 1:30 pm — Lunch (speakers include, but not limited to, Student Association officials, Senate President Michael Waddoups, House Speaker Becky Lockhart and other legislators)

2 p.m. — Gov. Gary Herbert

2:15 p.m. — Commissioner of Higher Education William Sederburg and Associate Commissioner Dave Buhler

While Gov. Herbert’s attendance is encouraging, the student leaders hope legislators will remember their needs and priorities while making such difficult budget decisions. In fact, Friday’s event is important enough to the student leaders that they will be missing class to attend.

About the Utah Student Association: Organized in 1973, The Utah Student Association includes all student body presidents and participating student leaders from all public and private not-for-profit institutions in the state. The Utah Student Association represents the interests of Utah’s 170,000-student population. 

About The Utah System of Higher Education: USHE includes all of Utah’s eight public colleges and universities: The University of Utah, Utah State University, Weber State University, Southern Utah University, Snow College, Dixie State College, Utah Valley University and Salt Lake Community College. For more information on the Utah System of Higher Education, visit its website.

Contact: Holly Braithwaite, director of communications, USHE, 801-321-7110, hbraithwaite@utahsbr.edu