Where is the money coming from?

To the surprise of many students on campus, there are multiple projects going on at the University while state funds are decreasing and tuition is increasing. I, much like all of you, have to pay for tuition and it can be bothersome to see that the University is progressing while tuition is on the rise.

One of the main concerns I hear from students at ISU is the misconception that our tuition is paying for all the current projects occurring at the University; this is simply not true. I want to help all students realize where some of the funds are coming from to pay for the continual progress at ISU and how this affects the students.

The Career Path Internship Program (CPI): $1,400,000. This program provides students with an opportunity to work alongside faculty and staff on academic and career related interest. The funds, which increased from $300,000 in 2010-2011 to $1,400,000 in 2011-2012, did come from an increase in student tuition but is given directly back to students through this program.

Renovations of the Pond Student Union Building: $900,000. This project provides a space for students to study, meet and relax.  Increased services including the ISU Credit Union, Campus Connection (ticket sales and Bengal Card), Games Center and improved banquet/meeting facilities. A new food court with Grill Nation, Mandalay Express and Einstein Bagels will be complete at the end of February. The projects at the PSUB are for the majority paid for by Chartwells as an investment, ISU Credit Union and the revenue generated by the Games Center.

Summer School Expansion: $1,038,500. This will allow for more summer school classes being offered to help students graduate on time.

Upgrades in Computer Labs: $400,000.  A total of 340 computers and monitors were replaced in eight computer labs at ISU-Pocatello, two at ISU-Meridian and one at ISU-Twin Falls. Scanners and printers were also upgraded. This funding came from the optional computer account fee and the student technology fee.

Purchase of Ballard Building: $3,600,000.  The 200,000 square-foot building will be used for many different research projects such as the $2,000,000 grant that was awarded to Assistant Professor Eric Burgett for nuclear and radiation research from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Signage and Beautification: The new signage found on 8th and Carter and at 5th and Humbolt is part of a project to beautify the ISU campus. A gift was given to the University specifically to fund this beautification. Also, the Bengal paws found on the streets leading to ISU were footed by the city of Pocatello and Mayor Brian Blad to unify the University and Community.

I hope that from the examples above, students realize there are a lot of projects going on at the University that either directly affect students' success or wellbeing and are funded by sources other than our tuition. If any student has a concern, I would be more than willing to speak with that individual.  I love ISU and the progress the University as a whole is making, proving that students are its number one concern.

Shaun Stokes

ASISU Student Body President

Email: stokshau@isu.edu