Tuition at West Virginia University will increase 9.5 percent for in-state students and 10.9 percent for out-of-state students beginning in the fall under a plan approved Thursday, April 24, by the Higher Education Policy Commission.

The Commission also OKd a voluntary severance package for WVU classified staff.

The tuition increases, coupled with what is expected to be another record freshman class (4,200-plus) this fall, will bring in approximately $15.7 million in new revenue.

The severance plan is expected to save the University more than $13 million over eight years.

Both the tuition increases and the severance package were proposed to help meet a 13 percent reduction in state appropriations this yearalong with mandated increases in insurance costs and other mandated costs amounting to approximately $28 million, said WVU President David C. Hardesty.

“Theres great consternation among higher education officials across the country,”Hardesty said.”In New York, theyve raised tuition by 41 percent. Virginia Tech just raised tuition by 13 percent.”

Under the tuition plan, undergraduate state residents will pay $1,774 per semester, or $154 more than last year, and tuition for out-of-state students would increase from $4,855 per semester to $5,384.

Some 225 employees are expected to participate in the severance package that applies only to full-time, benefits-eligible classified staff on the payroll as of June 30, 2003, with 15 or more years of service at WVU . The plan has two voluntary deadlinesJune 30, 2003, and Jan. 15, 2004with different incentives for each.

Those opting for the June 30 exit date will receive 100 percent of their 2002-2003 annual base salaryup to a maximum of $45,000paid out over eight years, or 96 consecutive monthly payments, less applicable withholdings.

Those exiting Jan. 15, 2004 will receive 100 percent of their 2002-2003 annual salary less $5,000up to a maximum of $40,000over the same eight-year span, less applicable withholdings.

In other action Thursday, the Commission also gave WVU the OK to proceed with $11 million in improvements that will add luxury suites to Mountaineer Field.

“This is a revenue-generating measure as opposed to an outright expense that will allow our athletic program to remain self-sustaining,”Hardesty said.

The tuition increases, severance package and Mountaineer Field improvements were approved by the WVU Board of Governors April 4.