Tyler Austin, left, and Kerry Siekierzynski score points in a bout tournament. The UW-P fencing club meets in Boebel Hall 211 from 5 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday.

Assistant chancellor for student affairs Michael Viney presented a differential tuition proposal to the UW-Platteville Student Senate Feb. 11. The proposal would cost students $150 over the course of the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 academic years and give additional funding to student support services.

Differential tuition is an increase at an individual university as proposed by its administrative staff. Differential tuition is often put in place in lieu of traditional funding. Any change in UW-P would have to be approved by the UW System Board of Regents. Student approval is not necessary for a proposal to the Board of Regents, Viney said. However, it is unlikely the Regents would give their approval if student input was not sought.

“The Regents are going to ask where the students stand,” Viney said.

There are two parts to the proposal, the tuition increase of 1.6 percent over two years and a $35 segregated fee, paid twice, to help cover the cost of additions to the pool area in Williams Fieldhouse, Viney said in his presentation.

Under the proposal presented to Student Senate, the Career Center, Writing Center and Tutoring Services would receive additional funding. Funds would also be provided for improvements to Counseling Services and for entrepreneurial grants, Viney said.

Viney sees tutoring services as a necessity to helping students succeed and believes it should receive more support.

“My goal here is to see that students succeed academically,” Viney said.

The Senate held an informal poll to see if members were interested in examining and discussing the proposal further. The Senate responded in favor of further discussion.

Some senators offered their own suggestions for university enhancements. Gender Issues Director Alisha Slowey suggested a first-year experience course for all students to aid in the transition to college. Andy Lanza, Legislative Affairs director, suggested including Desire2Learn instruction and inclusion for transfer students for such a class.

Viney and Chancellor David Markee will be present at the Monday, Feb. 25 Senate meeting to answer questions and take suggestions, Frank Moullet, Student Senate president said.