The Baylor Board of Regents approved a 4.5 percent tuition increase for the 2016-17 school year during its quarterly meeting on July 24.
Other topics under discussion were the renovation of the Hankamer Cashion Complex, a $10 million endowment for the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and the appointment of Sue Getterman as Regent Emerita.
2016-2017 Tuition and Fees Determined
The Board agreed to increase tuition and fees for the 2016-2017 school year by 4.5 percent. This increase is lower than the expected 5 percent for the same period, making it the lowest percentage of increase in over 20 years. After the increase, 2016-2017 tuition will be $37,996 for the 2016-2017 school year. Tuition for the 2015-2016 academic year is $36,360.
“Our Regents are committed to reducing tuition increases, growing our endowment and doing everything they can to limit the financial burden on families and students who wish to pursue a Baylor degree,” President and Chancellor Ken Starr said.
To that end, the Board of Regents has allocated an additional $15 million to both merit and need-based scholarships for the 2016-2017 academic year. The 4.5 percent increase will be allocated to create new research and hiring opportunities and foster the growth of Baylor’s campus.
Renovation of Hankamer Cashion Complex Approved
The renovation of Hankamer Cashion Complex, which formerly housed the Hankamer School of Business, will begin this fall. The building will now be dedicated to administrative needs, the department of communication sciences and disorders, the department of computer science and the Center for Global Engagement.
The allocation of space was determined by Provost Dr. Edwin Trevathan following consultation with high-growth departments in need of additional space.
Dr. Michaela Ritter, chair of the department of communication sciences and disorders, expressed her enthusiasm for her department’s new space in the Hankamer Cashion Complex.
“The Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic and the research labs will be housed on the first and second floor of Cashion. Our plans are to double the number of treatment rooms, which will allow us to serve more clients,” Ritter said.
$10 Million Dollar Donation to Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and Sue Getterman Named Regent Emerita
In addition to new space in Hankamer, the department of communication sciences and disorders will soon benefit from an anonymous $10 million donation. At the meeting the regents celebrated this endowment and recognized the department’s ability to impact the treatment of communication disorders throughout Texas.
According to Ritter, the funding will provide for additional facilities and research faculty, as well as the department’s research needs. The gift will allow Baylor’s communication sciences department to lead the way in addressing the current shortage of clinical psychologists by preparing graduate students in world-class facilities.
“We are very appreciative of the endowment, which is allowing us to be transformative,” Ritter said.
The meeting was also the first for Sue Getterman, an esteemed Baylor alumna, as Regent Emerita. Although she has already served three terms as a Regent from 2001-2010, Getterman’s new role on the Board distinguishes her as one of Baylor’s foremost leaders and supporters.
“We are deeply grateful for Ted and Sue, and it is a great honor for us to recognize the remarkable service of Sue Getterman with the lifetime designation of Regent Emerita,” said Richard Willis, chairman of the Board of Regents.
Among her many roles at Baylor, Getterman has served as a member of the Judge R.E.B. Baylor Society, Old Main Society, the 1845 society and the Golden Bear Circle of the Endowed Scholarship Society. In addition, she has been a generous supporter of the Honors College, the School of Music, the School of Education and many other departments and programs at Baylor.
“It’s a lifetime honorary designation because of the service she’s done to the university,” said Lori Fogleman, Baylor University’s Media Communications representative.
Sue Getterman joins fellow Regents Emeriti Drayton McLane, Jr. and George C. Anson in the non-voting, honorary position.
