News from

Michael D. Chason Director of Public Relations ABAC 30, 2802 Moore Hwy Tifton, GA 31793-2601 Phone 229-391-5055 Fax 229-391-5051 mchason@abac.edu

For IMMEDIATE Release December 3, 2009

Regents Approve Fee Increase for University System of Georgia Students

TIFTON – An increase of $50 has been added to the students’ institutional fee at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College beginning with the spring semester of 2010. The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) approved a mandatory increase for all USG students. This fee will be added to the current ABAC mandatory fee of $50, which went into effect in January, 2009.

Although the $50 increase for ABAC and other two-year/state colleges will be an additional burden on students, it is not as severe as the $100 increase per semester at the research universities, as well as at Georgia Southern University, Valdosta State University, Georgia College and State University, Kennesaw State University, Southern Polytechnic State University, and the University of West Georgia. Other comprehensive universities will have a $75 increase.

“Funds derived from this fee will go directly to offset budget cuts that the state has or will have as far as funding goes,” John Clemens, ABAC Vice President for Fiscal Affairs, said.

ABAC students who have already paid their fees for the spring semester will receive an e-bill through their e-mail to reflect the additional $50 charge. Banner accounts for ABAC students will reflect the $50 charge at that time.

The HOPE scholarship will not cover this fee, but other financial aid (Pell, loans) will cover the fee if a student’s award amount is sufficient. For students who have pre-registered, all charges for spring semester 2010 must be paid by Dec. 14, 2009, at 4:30 p.m.

The Board of Regents is also adjusting the System’s budget from a six percent reduction to an eight percent reduction level for the current fiscal year. The special institutional fee is part of the overall strategy to ensure access and academic excellence for students. The fee increase spreads the cost equitably among all USG students. Frequently asked questions relating to the Board of Regents’ action on the mandatory student fee are posted on the USG website: www.usg.edu/student_affairs/tuition/2010_Mandatory_Fee_FAQ.pdf .

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