June 17, 1999


UT Board Approves Fee Increases
CHATTANOOGA - The University of Tennessee board of trustees approved today
fee increases ranging from seven to 20 percent at its five campuses.
        In-state undergraduate students at UT-Chattanooga will see the
smallest annual hike -- up from $2,464 to $2, 660.  At UT-Knoxville
undergraduates will pay $360 more, up from $2,744.  The increase for
UT-Martin students will be $314, up from $2,342.  These figures include
maintenance and program service fee adjustments.
        Out-of-state students at Knoxville and Memphis will see fees go up
20 percent, while out-of-state students at UTC and UT-Martin will pay nine
percent more.
        "None of us want to increase student fees, but we do have an
obligation to present to faculty and students a solid university experience
worthy of the university," said Stacy.  "In the midst of Tennessee's
continuing discussion of what investments it wants to make in the quality
of life for its citizens, most of the University of Tennessee found no new
money in state appropriations this year.  Fortunately, UTC did receive some
catch-up appropriations this year and could get by on a smaller tuition
increase than other parts of the university."
        There is no new state money for buildings or renovations, but the
budget does include $11.9 million for maintenance projects, including the
$1.6 million in improvements to UTC's Hunter Hall and $1.3 million for
Central Energy Distribution System Expansion and Improvement at UTC.
        In remarks at this final board meeting as UT president, Dr. Joe
Johnson said state support has to improve.  "The last five or six years
have been bad times.  The trend lines have been going in the wrong
direction," Johnson said.
        "On the positive side, public higher education didn't get cut (by
the legislature).  The governor and legislative leaders recognize the state
has a revenue problem, and there is more conversation in the legislature
about the needs of public higher education."


Barbara J. Kennedy
(Acting) Assistant Director, University Relations
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
423-755-4363 (phone)
423-755-5299 (fax)