Earlier this year New Jersey Representative Benjie Wimberly introduced Bill A3965. The bill would require governing boards of public institutions “to adopt tuition and fee schedules for ensuing academic year during Spring semester after issuance of Governor’s recommended budget.” By forcing institutions to publicize planned price increases ahead of time, this bill would give current and prospective students more time to decide whether they will be able to attend in the upcoming semester. Below is the text of a letter ACTA wrote in support of Representative Wimberly’s efforts to increase transparency at New Jersey’s institutions of higher education.
Dear Assemblyman Wimberly:
I wanted to reach out to you in light of your recent work on A. 3965. As a nonprofit organization committed to the preservation of academic freedom, excellence, and accountability, the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) appreciates your efforts in holding governing boards accountable by implementing tuition and fee schedules. We share your sentiment that transparency in pricing is vital to allow prospective students to make informed decisions regarding their educational futures.
In this spirit, I would like to offer our aid if there is any way we can be of assistance. For over 25 years, ACTA has worked with trustees and public officials across the country to ensure that all Americans can receive a high-quality education at an affordable price. We have testified before various state legislatures and commissions in states including Florida, New Jersey, Alaska, Georgia, Montana, Texas, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Ohio, on matters such as curricular quality, academic assessment, and institutional accountability.
If there is anything we can do to help your efforts to support A.3965, or in any matter in the future, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly.
We are immensely grateful for your commitment to American higher education, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Armand B. Alacbay
Chief of Staff & SVP of Strategy
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Launched in 1995, we are the only organization that works with alumni, donors, trustees, and education leaders across the United States to support liberal arts education, uphold high academic standards, safeguard the free exchange of ideas on campus, and ensure that the next generation receives an intellectually rich, high-quality college education at an affordable price.
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