We’re not sure how it happened, but we’ve reached the end of the semester again. The final full week of school comes to a close tomorrow, and final exams and projects will likely absorb all of ASU students’ energies until mid-May. At this time of the semester at The State Press, we like to look back and compile a list of the biggest ASU news stories of the term, so here are some of the most important stories to affect the University this semester.
Tuition increases: The Arizona Board of Regents approved the largest tuition increase in ASU history this semester, meaning thinner wallets for everyone returning next fall. Tuition jumped nearly 20 percent for incoming students and around 13 percent for continuing students. An economic recovery surcharge of $1,025 was bundled into tuition, pushing ASU beyond its commitment of predictable tuition increases of 5 percent each year.
State budget concerns: Arizona’s budget crisis has been around for a while, but new effects and possible treatments cropped up this semester. As departments were forced to cut across the state, the University was ordered to slash 2.75 percent of its budget for salaries. Academic departments will close and staff will be laid off, and ASU’s final plan is expected to be set forward to the Board of Regents this weekend. Budget cuts so far are banking on the success of Proposition 100 — a one-cent sales tax that will be on the ballot in May — and departments are preparing for deeper cuts if it fails. Sigma Chi fraternity accused in rape case: It’s just about every semester that fraternities go buck wild, partying and vomiting (milk) on Alpha Drive (or onto cars on University Drive), but fraternity members accused of raping another student haven’t been in the news for a few years. A former ASU student named two former Sigma Chi members, their ASU chapter and the national chapter in a civil suit in February, alleging she was raped in February 2008 at the Sigma Chi fraternity house. While the accused probably won’t see a courtroom for a few years, the suit renewed conversation on campus about date and acquaintance rape and similar safety concerns on campus. Goulding elected USG president; PIRG measure voted down: Student government elections happen every semester and it’s not uncommon for the student body to vote down measures asking for fee money, but no election season is without drama. At the three campuses it was on the ballot, (Tempe, Downtown and Polytechnic) students denied the Public Interest Research Group money to fight public issues. PIRG is fighting back, but it’s not likely the group will see more student funding anytime soon.
Cuts to transit around ASU campuses: The Valley’s newborn light rail and elderly bus systems all faced cuts this semester, and still face more. Students aren’t the only group that relies on public transit, but we are a big chunk and we’re preparing to have to stretch our money even further to make it from one campus to another. Ticket prices are up, some bus routes are gone and light rail trains won’t run as often or as late at night, but on the other hand, “the light rail only runs every 12 minutes now” makes a pretty good excuse when you’re late to class.
Immigration on the national stage: The most visible Valley news story in the past few weeks has been the passage of SB 1070, which Gov. Jan Brewer signed into law last Friday. The measure criminalizes illegal immigration in Arizona, and its signing has sparked national debate over immigration enforcement in border states and the possibility that the bill could open the door to racial profiling. Opponents plan to file a legal challenge of the measure’s Constitutionality, and President Barack Obama has already weighed in on the measure, so this issue isn’t like to be resolved anytime soon.
