The Honors College will set aside 17 percent of its new $250 per semester fee for students who receive need-based aid through the Free Application For Student Aid to assist those who can’t afford the fee, said Patricia MacCorquodale, dean of the Honors College.
“”We are also hoping to have some sort of scholarship for students who have other extenuating circumstances,”” MacCorquodale said.
MacCorquodale has received around 20 e-mails from students regarding the fee.
“”Some students want to know what it goes towards and other students wish to no longer be a part of honors if they have to pay a fee because it’s not high in their educational plan,”” MacCorquodale said.
The Honors College will be increasing the number of honors classes available by adding between five and eight interdisciplinary seminars, according to an e-mail sent out by MacCorquodale.
The fee money will primarily go to classes and advising, but some will go toward enhancing certain student programs. The Honors Student Council will receive $6,000 from the fees, to be used on programs, events and other benefits to students, MacCorquodale said.
There are currently 3,657 students in the Honors College.
Communications senior and honors student Christine Filer expressed a mixed opinion of the $250 fee.
“”I’m not a fan of the fee because it’s more money coming out of everyone’s pocket,”” Filer said. “”But at the same time, it doesn’t give me ill feelings towards the Honors College, just towards the state of Arizona and the University of Arizona administration as a whole and how education is getting cut. That’s the most upsetting thing right now.””
Filer believes that being an honors student is a privilege.
“”It shouldn’t be a financial burden if you’re committed to your studies and have a passion for knowledge, but I also understand that the Honors College needs the money and they have to come to students for it because no one else is giving it to them,”” she said.
Filer said the Honors College education is worth the $250 fee.
“”When I write my honors thesis next year, I know that paying $250 will be worth it,”” Filer said.
She also mentioned that the Honors College plans on assisting students who cannot pay the fee.
“”It won’t be a matter of ‘Oh, I don’t have the money, I can’t be an honors student.’ That goes to show the commitment of the Honors College. They’re not trying to make any of us broke or extort us for money,”” Filer said.
