TO: Higher Education Community and Other Interested Parties

FROM: Valerie Lewis

Commissioner

DATE: January 29, 2004

SUBJECT: Recommendations of the Tuition Policy Review Committee and Draft Changes to the Board of Governors Tuition Policy

The Board of Governors for Higher Education is seeking review and comment on the recommendations of its Tuition Policy Review Committee and draft changes to its standing Tuition Policy for Connecticut’s public colleges and universities. As a member and valued partner of the higher education community, your views would be greatly appreciated by the Board on this very timely and important topic. I ask that you review the enclosed documents and submit your comments and suggestions to my office by February 27, 2004. The Board will be considering actual changes to its Tuition Policy at its meeting on March 17^th when it will be possible to address them directly during the public comment period.

Regarding the enclosures, the first report presents the final recommendations of the Board’s Tuition Policy Review Committee. The committee was created by the Board to review and develop recommendations to modify the policy which preserve the underlying principles of access and affordability, but afford a level of flexibility in times of uncertain state financial support. A list of committee membership is included in the report. Please note that the report includes an addendum outlining the specific views and concerns of the Office of Policy and Management.

The second document presents proposed changes that would be made to the existing Tuition Policy should the Board of Governors approve the recommendations of the committee. Please note that Board has not endorsed these recommendations yet. Based on comments and suggestions received by interested parties during this review period, the Board may modify the changes proposed.

Again, let me stress the importance of your comments. I appreciate your time and consideration.