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Puyallup POSt the
S e R v i n G t h e P u yA L L u P C A m P u S O f P i e R C e C O L L e G e
Sherman Alexie: An evening of Myths, Lies and Exaggerations By David Johnson Puyallup Post
Nice powder: Josh Royce takes his turn in the powder during the annual ski trip to Mt. Hood this month. The trip, sponsored in part by Student Programs, was sold out. (Photo courtesy Rocky Ducharme, Student Programs)
Governor proposes tuition increase By Lonny Sulfaro Puyallup Post
Recently, Washington Gov. Gary Locke proposed a bill that would raise college tuition rates significantly. The bill would give colleges and universities the authority to set their own tuition rates. Currently, tuition rates are set by the state Legislature, but would be given to the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges if the bill is passed. Under Locke’s plan, colleges would be able to raise tuition 10 percent every year or no more than 40 percent over six years. There would be no limit on how much colleges could raise tuition for out-of-state and graduate students and schools could charge more for certain degrees. This has caused a lot of concern among students. Everyone is entitled to go to college
whether they are rich or poor, but if tuition rates increase, fewer people may be able to continue their education. Officials in the governor’s office have said that there will be an effort to keep financial aid even with the tuition increases. This is fine for students who have financial aid or for people who have the money to pay for college, but for people who are in the middle, it’s a hard place to be, say opponents of the proposed bill. Students will be forced to pay the tuition increases and not be compensated for it in any way by financial aid programs, they add. The extra revenue would be used to increase faculty salaries, fund financial aid and other school programs. On February 12, ASPCP President Alan Kropf, Vice President of Government Issues Brandon McHugh and
Vice President of Activities Callie Drotz went to the state capital to testify against tuition increases before the Ways and Means senate committee. “We went down there and fought for students,” said Drotz. “We understand that there might be a need for an increase by two or three percent, Callie Drotz but not 10 percent.” Students at Pierce would see about a $60 increase in tuition prices each year, which is like having to buy another book. Some state legislators agree. They also have said that the 10 percent increase is a bit much and that if the bill is passed the increases will probably be around five percent each year.
VOLUME 6 ISSUE 5 ¥ FEBRUARY 2001
“I could throw a rock in Puyallup and hit a guy more qualified for presiANALY dent than (George W.) Bush or (Al) Gore.” So said Sherman Alexie, who recently spoke at the Liberty Theatre in Puyallup. Not wanting to miss out on a good Sherman Alexie parking spot, I arrived about one hour early. Even at 6 p.m., I had to park around on Meridian and walk a block to the theater. As was announced, the place was sold out for See ALexie on page 4
College proposes new policy for students If a proposal under consideration passes, Pierce College could automatically withdraw students from math and English classes if the student doesn’t meet the prerequisites for that class. Currently, students are allowed to enroll in the next level of math and English classes prior to completing the prerequisites for that class. Students, for example, who are currently enrolled in Math 060 can register for Math 098 before completing the first course. However, if a student fails to complete Math 060 with a 2.0 grade point average or above, and therefore meet the See PROPOSAL on page 6