WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Some alumni and students of Winston-Salem State University are upset about a proposed bill in Raleigh. The bill, SB873, targets state universities and proposes changes to them.
The bill is called Access to Affordable College Education Act. Its writers state its purpose is to make public higher education more affordable.
Besides WSSU, other Universities mentioned are Elizabeth City State, Fayetteville State, UNC-Pembroke and Western Carolina.
The bill could allow name changes to universities if the Board of Governors decided the new name would improve three things: student applications, diverse student applications and academic strength.
Some students and alumni of WSSU are not in favor of the idea. "Our University does have a culture of its own within its name so it would be very devastating if they do change the name," said one student.
"The University itself has a culture and heritage that people have connected to and a lot of people feel like this is home," said another student.
It's not just the name change that has some concerned. The bill would significantly reduce tuition the university could charge, starting in 2018.
Right now, a resident student pays $3,335 a year in tuition. The bill would decrease that to $1,000 year, 70% less.
Out of state is even more drastic. Right now, a non-resident pays $13,446 per year. The bill would reduce that to $5,000 per year.
That means the University could lose millions of dollars a year in funding.
*After the publication of this story, a representative for President Pro Tem Berger said the bill's primary sponsor, Sen. Tom Apodaca, has said the low tuition proposal would cost $60 million to $80 million a year and would come from the state's general fund.
Three lawmakers in the Triad are bill sponsors: Sen. Trudy Wade, Sen. Stan Bingham and Senate Leader Phil Berger.
University officials didn't want to speak on camera but sent a statement:
“For 124 years, Winston-Salem State University has provided access to an exceptional education to promising students who may have otherwise been denied that opportunity. We presently offer the third least-expensive tuition for resident undergraduates of all UNC schools. We are keenly interested in having discussions on how to ensure college is within reach for all people who desire to pursue it. We are reviewing the bill and considering its potential impact on our campus. We appreciate legislators interest in improving access to higher education and look forward to further discussions.”
If approved, the bill would also allow more out of state students.
It would also establish merit scholarships at North Carolina A&T State University and North Carolina Central University.
