Student Senate passed a resolution in favor of a proposal that would increase tuition at UW-Platteville by 1.6 percent for the 2008-09 academic year.

According to the proposal presented by Assistant Chancellor for Student Affairs Michael Viney, the money raised would help fund enhancements to the Writing Center, Tutoring Services, the Career Center and Counseling Services. Also, a student engagement center would be created to help support students in degree and career related activities. The rise in tuition would be specific to UW-P and would be in effect only for 2008-09. The total cost would be an additional $80 for each student.

The Senate approved the resolution by a 16-7 vote with two abstentions.

“This is the beginning of something we need and our students need,” Vice President Kenny Brotheridge said. Brotheridge voted in favor of the resolution.

Before voting on the resolution, senator Jeffrey Schwan, who voted against the resolution, made a motion to vote separately on the funding for Counseling Services to emphasize the importance of mental health. Schwan’s motion was defeated.

The resolution was written by business manager Eric Hopfensperger, Jordan O’Connell, special projects coordinator, said. Normally, the resolution would go through the Internal Affairs committee, of which Hopfensperger is a member.

“It was supposed to, but I believe it is sufficient,” O’Connell said.

“I feel my responsibility is to try to provide the best support that we can,” Chancellor David Markee said. Markee, who said he is normally opposed to raising tuition, believes the proposed enhancements to support services would give students resources they need.

As a part of the proposal, counseling services would hire an additional licensed counselor. The Senate asked about adding a psychologist instead, but both Markee and Roger Meyer, director of counseling services, suggested a counselor would be a sufficient hire.

“We will select a quality person who can assist students,” Meyer said.

The university has already purchased a building for the proposed engagement center, Markee said. The building is located at 585 Irene St., adjacent to the UW-P campus.

The total cost of the building was between $130,000 and $140,000, Markee said. The money for the purchase came from existing UW-P Foundation funds and from money raised through parking fees and permit sales.

Other funding for the enhancements will come from the general program revenue, grants and private donors. Markee said approximately 10 people have expressed interest in supporting the programs financially.

In order for the increase to take effect, it must be approved by the UW System Board of Regents.