Jun 12, 2009 7:45 pm US/Eastern
FIU Increased Tuition, Kept Religious Studies
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
Florida International University students will see a tuition hike of 15 percent next semester, bringing in $12-million to the University. Some students, like Mina Levin, are flustered
"I think it's a little unfair; from what we've been hearing there was going to be more attention placed on students and helping them out, so if there's not a real valid reason I'm sure it will be upsetting to the majority of the student body," said Levin.
While tuition is higher, Religious Studies students are saying hallelujah to have classes at all. The Board of Trustees decided to keep the program Friday afternoon after much debate.
Dr. Nathan Katz, Director of the Program said he expected a very different outcome.
"To convince everyone that they were frankly wrong to eliminate us seemed like an impossible undertaking."
Religious leaders, local rabbis, and even the Dalai Lama all sent letters to the President of Florida International University fighting to keep the Religious Studies program open. Budget cuts had placed it in jeopardy.
The proposal to make significant cuts to the Religious Studies program compelled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to offer a $100-thousand donation. He has also informally accepted an invitation to visit FIU in 2010 to raise money for the program.
Religious Studies student Jeremy Paulovkin is thrilled. He told
CBS4 Reporter Natalia Zea, "I think it's great for the Department. It shows we're worth saving."
The three other programs saved are the bachelor's and master's in recreational sports management and a bachelor's in athletic training education.
But the board did do away with 11 other programs due to low enrollment. They included bachelors' programs in mathematical sciences and French education.
At the same meeting, board members agreed to rename the University Park campus after outgoing President Modesto "Mitch" Maidique.
The tuition hike follows a similar move by the University of Florida, which also approved a 15 percent hike.
(© MMIX CBS Television Stations. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald contributed material for this report)
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