University considers out-of-state tuition reduction

PORTALES — A proposal to reduce out-of-state tuition will be heard at Thursday’s Eastern New Mexico University Board of Regents meeting.

The change, according to a letter accompanying the proposal by ENMU President Jeff Elwell, will reduce tuition for out-of-state students from 203 percent of in-state tuition to 150 percent.

Elwell noted in the letter that out-of-state students “paid an average of $13,819 more than their in-state peers” in 2014 and 2015.

Also at Thursday’s meeting, set for 9:30 a.m. in the Zia Room of the Campus Union Building:

• A proposal to plan, design, and renovate instruction space on the ENMU-Ruidoso campus will be heard.

• Regents will consider the adoption of a resolution to issue system improvement bonds.

The bonds, which total approximately $5.5 million, will be used to fund two campus-wide energy projects, according to Vice President of Business Affairs Scott Smart.

“The first one is an energy management project. That’s probably a $4.5 million project, and then we’re vowing an additional $1 million. We have to replace some heating and cooling piping in ... Curry Hall.”

• The summer 2017 graduation lists for the Portales and Roswell campuses will be up for approval.

• Regents will consider authorization of the Open Meetings Act.