Read today's story by Emma Goss to learn about the members of Occupy Columbia who interrupted last night's SGA town hall about Barnard's finances.
The rest of the meeting was devoted to a presentation and Q&A with Barnard COO Gregory Brown and V.P. of Development Brett Silver:
Does the new enrollment policy really make a difference in Barnard’s finances?
The amount of money lost by Barnard from a student in their eighth semester taking only 1 course (1/5 of the tuition) is $12,000. Considering up to 40 students with part-time enrollment, that number reaches $500,000.
With an operating deficit of $2.5 million last year, that $500,000 cane be significant.
Virtually none of Barnard’s peer institutions have eighth semester reduced tuition, and some even have an early graduation fee.
When asked if it is possible to repeal the enrollment policy if enough support is gathered, COO Brown wouldn’t give a direct answer but acknowledged that is was, “more of a no than a yes." He also said that other budget cuts that are potentially worse for students would have to come if the new policy was repealed.
