USM’s tuition increased for Fall 2012

Based on the precarious financial situation that the University of St. Martin (USM) finds itself in, the tertiary institution is now being forced to raise its tuition by 25 dollars per credit hour.
 

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Unlike many other tertiary institutions worldwide, that raise their tuition annually, this is the second tuition raise for USM in three years. As of Fall 2012, the tuition will now be 157 dollars per credit for Dutch and French nationals and 190 dollars per credit for others. The increase is expected to generate an additional 75 dollars per student per three credit class and 100 dollars per student per four credit class.
A two page letter about the price increase was also sent to all current USM students. There is even explanation in the letter from the USM president as to why the increase was announced so late.
According to USM President Annelies van den Assem, for years the utmost best was done by university officials to ensure that USM tuition fees remain affordable for the majority of students. However, “with the increase in the cost of living and education worldwide and the financial woes of the university, it is no longer possible to avoid an increase in tuition fees,” she said, adding, “Keeping our students budgets’ in mind, we worked on keeping the increase to a minimal.”
The University of St. Martin is a private institution which means all financial obligations have to be supported independently.
“The island government contributes financially to USM and offering students scholarships to attend the university. This contribution helps the institution to stay afloat, however it is just a piece in the puzzle. USM is responsible for acquiring additional funds elsewhere to cover the rest of the costs, which is why each program has to be able to cover its own cost incurred for running the program,” Van den Assem stated.
The USM President said that the Board and Management of USM are seeking innovative ways to keep the institution functioning and, in compliance with this, a development plan was created. The university is working in collaboration with government and the business sector to acquire funds to support this development plan.
“USM is in the process of restructuring the organization which will lead to a decrease in the amount of monthly expenditures. Even with all these efforts it is still obvious that there is a need for an increase in tuition fees,” USM President van den Assem noted.
Students have to understand that without their contribution, the university will not be able to continue providing education to the residents of St. Maarten which is a priority for a country to advance, the USM president elaborated.
Another aspect of the development plan is to increase the student numbers at USM. One of the means the institution is using is to offer more Bachelors and Masters degree programs. The institution has already started working on this by establishing agreements and contacts with international universities such as University of the Virgin Islands, University of the West Indies, Monroe College, Hanze Hogeschool and Open Universeit. The language of instruction for all new programs offered is English. The sole exception is the Law program which is in Dutch.
“These are all accredited universities and colleges which accept the credits and qualifications of USM. A prime example is Monroe College where students who attained their Associate Degrees at USM cam easily transfer to Monroe College to enroll in the third year of one of their bachelor programs,” the USM president said.
The university has notified current students of the price increase and also stated that those who have already paid will receive an outstanding balance notice. If students encounter any problems with the tuition increase, they are urged to consult with the Business Office.
The University of St. Martin has been in existence for over 23 years and offers Associate of Arts degree programs in Business and General Liberal Arts, Associate of Applied Science degree programs in Hospitality & Tourism Management and Business Information Management and Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education program. The most recent addition is a two plus two International Business and Management Studies program offered jointly with the Hanze University.