In response to the request submitted by USFC [the University Student-Faculty Committee], the AUB administration released the following statement:
While the University reiterates its commitment to its 15-credit policy in order to maintain academic excellence and increase financial opportunities for needy students to attend AUB, the University will start implementing the 15-credit policy beginning with the undergraduate class of 2011-2012. During the coming academic year, 2010-2011, we will work towards enhancing the financial aid process.
Additionally, the University will guarantee a fixed 4 percent annual tuition increase for current and all students for 3 years, and will recommend to the Board of Trustees an extension of this guarantee for 2 additional years.
The budget allocated for financial aid continues to be used exclusively for financial aid. After the application of the new pricing policy, AUB will extend financial aid packages to cover the cost of the additional three credits for students eligible for financial aid, over and above the regular financial aid package.
The University will work with students to ensure and enhance the transparency of the financial aid system through the formation of an oversight committee made up of student members from USFC, faculty members, and members of the administration.
The Office of Development will work with the students, parents, and socially responsible businesses to raise additional scholarship funds over and above the current financial aid budget.
We are committed to maintaining open communication with the students in the days and weeks to come.
