RESOLUTION OF THE WINTHROP UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGARDING THE ADOPTION OF THE TUITION TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE

WHEREAS, Winthrop University (the "University") has long been committed to the ideals of excellence in education, accessibility, and affordability, recognizing the importance of higher education and its role in the empowerment of individuals and communities;

WHEREAS, the University acknowledges the growing concerns regarding the rising costs of higher education and the economic challenges faced by students and their families;

WHEREAS, the University has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to affordability and value by maintaining steady tuition rates since 2018, with the support of state and federal funding, to ensure that the exceptional education offered by Winthrop University remains accessible;

WHEREAS, the University has navigated the challenging higher education landscape without compromising on the quality of education or transferring undue financial burden to its students;

WHEREAS, the University aims to take a proactive stance in addressing the concerns of transparency and alignment of tuition fees with the actual cost of academic delivery;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Trustees of Winthrop University, that the Tuition Transparency Initiative (the "Initiative") is hereby adopted, effective for the academic year 2024-2025, with the purpose of:

  1. Aligning Tuition with Cost of Delivery: Implementing a tuition and fees structure that aligns more closely with the actual costs associated with delivering high-quality academic programs and services.
  2. Enhancing Transparency: Providing clear, understandable, and transparent information regarding tuition, fees, and other expenses associated with attending Winthrop University, thereby enabling students and their families to make informed financial decisions.
  3. A Phased Implementation: Adjusting the tuition for all students in the academic year 2024-2025, followed by a further reduction in tuition for all students in the academic year 2025-2026, ensuring a smooth transition to the new tuition structure.
  4. Continued Excellence: Maintaining the high standards of educational excellence and student support services that define Winthrop University, even as we strive to make our education more affordable and transparent.

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED, that the University administration is hereby directed to develop and implement the necessary strategies, policies, and procedures to operationalize the Tuition Transparency Initiative, including but not limited to:

  • Comprehensive analysis and benchmarking of tuition and fees against peer institutions.
  • Engagement with state and federal funding bodies to explore opportunities for additional financial support.
  • Regular communication and engagement with the University community, including students, faculty, staff, and alumni, to ensure transparency and garner support for the Initiative.
  • Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the impact of the Initiative on student enrollment, retention, and success, as well as on the University's financial sustainability.

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees expresses its support for the Tuition Transparency Initiative and its confidence in the University administration to successfully implement this critical step towards enhanced affordability, transparency, and alignment with our mission, vision, and values.

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Secretary to the Board of Trustees shall certify that the Winthrop University Board of Trustees approved this resolution on March 13, 2024, in a regular meeting scheduled by the Winthrop University Board of Trustees. Such resolution shall be maintained and publicly posted by the Secretary of the Board in a time and manner as required by law.

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