|
|
News |
Michael D. Chason |
IMMEDIATE DECEMBER 8, 2008
Regents Approve Fee for University
System of
TIFTON - On Dec. 3, 2008, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) approved a mandatory fee for all USG students to be assessed spring semester 2009. Research universities will charge $100 per student; comprehensive universities will charge $75; and two-year and state colleges will charge $50. Therefore, students at ABAC will pay $50.
In the same meeting, the Board approved a change in health benefit plans for USG employees. The changes will help the System’s 35 colleges and universities meet an additional two percent reduction in the current Fiscal Year 2009 budget. That means the previously announced six percent budget reduction for ABAC has now become eight percent.
ABAC student bills will be reissued on Dec. 9 to reflect the additional $50 charge. Banner accounts for ABAC students will reflect the $50 charge at that time.
All charges for spring semester 2009 must be paid by Dec. 17, 2008, at 4:30 p.m.
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. Funds derived from this fee will go directly into the ABAC operating budget in an attempt to make up a budget reduction which, with an additional two percent reduction, will amount to more than $1.2 million.
As a result of the board’s action, as of Jan. 1, 2009, the employer contribution rate for health insurance for the System’s PPO and HMO health plans will be reduced from 75 percent to 70 percent. USG employees enrolled in these plans will thus pay increased premiums ranging from approximately $17 to $65 a month, depending upon the plan and number of individuals covered.
The employer contribution rate for the Indemnity plan will be the same as the PPO plan. The employer rate for the System’s high deductible health plan will continue at its current level of 90 percent. This change will result in an additional $8 million in savings throughout the System.
The ABAC Human Resources Office will give ABAC employees their options during a new open enrollment period beginning Dec. 3 and going through Dec. 15.
“These are difficult times when it comes to the state budget,” ABAC President David Bridges said. “Many of you are well aware of the hard decisions this college has already had to make. Undoubtedly, we will have to make more in the future. In every one of these decisions, we will gather all the information and take the best course possible.”
###