By Jason Aparicio and Emily Hawxwell
When tuition changes, it doesn’t just change a bill; it can shape plans, priorities, and peace of mind for students and parents.
William Peace University will host an open forum on Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on the second floor of the Belk Dining Hall. President Lynn Morton and members of the university’s Student Leadership Team, staff members who oversee the large functional areas of the university, will be present at the meeting to answer questions and concerns the students may have.
The open forum allows students to engage directly with the university leaders to share their perspectives and seek clarification about the decision to increase tuition. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions about tuition, room, and board, and the impacts they may have for students in the upcoming academic year.
Students received an email about the tuition increase on Jan. 20 from President Morton, which states that Peace will implement a 4% increase for the 2026-27 academic year. Housing costs will increase to 3.5%, and dining plans will increase by 5%.
This announcement prompted concerns among students, including questions about the reasoning behind the changes and the value of current services.
Junior Ellis Henry McGee said the announcement felt sudden and lacked a detailed explanation.
“It wasn’t ‘we’re going to increase it because of this or that,’ they just kind of said okay, we’re increasing it,” said McGee.
Sophomore Alexander Coats emphasized the need for prioritizing academic programs, such as math, while first-year Brody Hampton noted the ongoing issues with dorm facilities and dining services.
Attending the open forum is an opportunity for students to be heard, ask questions, and gain clarity. By engaging with university leaders, students can help shape the conversation between the university leaders and provide feedback on overlooked programs or areas that need improvement, ensuring that their concerns and ideas are considered in the decisions that affect the entire Peace community.
Ryan Laraway, Student Government and Programming Association president, said the forum is intended to provide students with the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions and advocate for ways they would like information like this to be delivered in the future.
The drop in style format is designed to accommodate students’ schedules. There will be no formal start to the meeting, and students may attend as long as they choose and leave at any time.
For students who are unable to attend, an email will be sent to all students with statements about the event and issues that were discussed.
Laraway encourages students to attend the monthly town halls and attend the SGPA open meeting on Sunday, March 1.
Further questions can be directed to Laraway SGPA@peace.edu, as he can bring student questions to the SLT members on their behalf.
“SGPA is here to represent the views and to voice concerns of the student body,” said Laraway. “It all starts with suggestions from you, the students, so be sure to reach out.”