TAMIU’s tuition is set to increase by over 4 percent in the fall, pending approval from the Board of Regents.
But despite the tuition increase, students still voted for a fee increase to benefit their campus.
A small portion of TAMIU students participated in the vote last week, but the majority of those who voted wanted to increase the student center fee for a better place on campus.
Dr. Ray Keck, President: "There will be an open patio but in addition to that, there will be a large computer lounge available to students as well as enhanced spaces for the existing student lounge."
This construction will take place in the student center. Some students were against the fee increase.
Ivan Ribas, a student: "I don't even get financial aid so the fact that I have to pay everything out of my own pocket, it's troubling."
But most students we spoke to were for the increase.
Christian Garcia, a student: "Being here as a student, I'm always here and I see how crowded it gets and by voting for it, there will be an expanded facility, and there will be more space. When you come and eat here at the diner, usually around 12 p.m. or 1 p.m., it's really packed."
Juan Jose Martinez, a student: "It's to expand a building that students not only dine in, but they also have fun and it brings more relaxing equipment into the building."
Even though juniors and seniors won't be here to benefit from the increased fees, most still voted for it.
Jonathan Gutierrez, a student: "One of the things we took into mind when I personally voted was one of the things they pitched to us was to see it as how you’re making a contribution to your campus. So when I voted ‘yes’ for it, I thought about not just for me, but for my little brother and sisters who might be coming here in the future."
Sam Medina, a student: "I have a younger sister and I do think when she comes to the university she will be able to benefit from it and I think that's great for incoming students as well as the students who will still be here during that time."
According to TAMIU President Dr. Ray Keck, the construction should start by January of 2013 and should take about one year to complete.
Officials said the project should be between $3 million dollars and $6 million dollars.
The student center fee will increase by $3 per semester credit hour starting in the fall, but this is still pending approval from the TAMIU Board of Regents.