UNC Trustees Approve Resolution Supporting Tuition Equity

December 17, 2008

The University of Northern Colorado Board of Trustees unanimously passed a resolution in support of tuition equity for all in–state students at its regularly scheduled meeting on Dec. 12.

Ten states have adopted such legislation, granting in–state tuition for students who graduate from high schools in their respective states and meet admission requirements, regardless of immigration status.

"College is likely beyond reach for the majority of students who, despite earning a diploma from a Colorado high school, cannot prove their legal resident status," said UNC Trustees’ Chairman Dick Monfort. "The board supports legislation that clears a path to college for these deserving high school graduates, and that would lead to a greater number of educated citizens who are prepared to contribute to society."

The states with tuition equity legislation are: California, Illinois, Kansas, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Washington.

The resolution states:

WHEREAS, high levels of educational attainment increase the level of civic

engagement, enhance economic well–being and improve the quality of life for all

Colorado communities. A well–educated community has healthier residents, more voters, less need for public assistance and fewer crimes; and

WHEREAS, Colorado’s immigrant students who are unable to document their legal status are being denied access to in–state tuition and financial aid at state colleges and universities. For a majority of these students the high cost of out–of–state tuition at Colorado colleges and universities makes attainment of a higher education prohibitive; and

WHEREAS, tuition equity would give more students the opportunity to further their education, create a more positive academic environment for all students and encourage greater academic achievement and a culture of high expectations; and

WHEREAS, ten states have passed tuition equity legislation granting in–state tuition to all students who graduate from their high school and meet minimum residency criteria of the state regardless of the student’s legal status.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Trustees of the University of Northern Colorado support the concept of in–state tuition at Colorado colleges and universities for all Colorado students who meet the appropriate academic standards and minimal residency requirements necessary to attend a college or university in Colorado, regardless to the student’s immigration status.

About the University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado, the state’s premier student–centered university since 1889, has 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students studying in a broad array of programs in education, the arts, sciences, humanities and business. The UNC experience combines a solid liberal arts foundation, relevant professional coursework, innovative technology and real–world experiences to prepare students for a life of learning. Visit http://www.unco.edu for more information.

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