- Posted in All University
- Category: Campus News
STATEMENT OF RICHARD GREEN, INTERIM PRESIDENT OF LINCOLN UNIVERSITY IN RESPONSE TO LIMITED STUDENT PROTEST
While Lincoln University welcomes thoughtful and well-meaning dissent, and supports student rights to full and free expression, today’s student gathering was conducted by less than 50 students whose concerns must be heard, that number represents only a small fraction of the total 2,100-member student body.
Unfortunately, this action may be the byproduct of complaints by a small number of people whose objections are not founded in facts. The student concerns were not brought to the attention of the Student Government Association (SGA) or to university administration until the online petition was circulated.
Over the last few weeks, a campaign based on misinformation has misrepresented the facts, with the use of outdated or unfounded claims against the University and its board Chairwoman Kimberly Lloyd. We are also concerned that students and alumni—who are not fully informed about university operations, best practices and the impact of the recent state budget impasse—have been misled.
For example, tuition has not been increased for current students thanks to the fixed rate tuition plan introduced in the 2014-2015 school year. Fees and room and board costs, however, are subject to increase due to increased costs and inflation as are tuition rates for new students. Last week, the board passed a 2.5% tuition increase for new students only, entering in the fall of 2017-18. Over the last few years, tuition increases have remained less than 3% a year.
Overall, the University takes the concerns of its students and other stakeholders seriously, and provides ample opportunity for those concerns to be shared. We are in constant dialogue with our SGA, whose new president–as with past presidents—holds a seat on the university’s board of trustees. In addition, student leadership representing various constituencies meets monthly with university administration to offer questions and concerns as part of the Student Executive Council meetings. As one of the top 20 Historically Black Colleges & Universities in the nation, Lincoln University is committed to maintaining a nurturing and stimulating environment for learning, teaching, research, creative expression and public service for a diverse student body, faculty and workforce.