Student input groups for tuition hikes advances in Salem

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Oregon’s public universities would be required to take student input on tuition and fee hikes, under a proposal advancing in the Legislature.

Under the proposal, which the Senate unanimously approved Thursday, universities would be required to establish advisory boards that include students, including members of underserved groups, to give input on fee and tuition increases.

“This bill doesn’t help to solve the affordability problems at our universities,” said Sen. Michael Dembrow, the bill’s sponsor in the Senate. But, he said, “it will both involve students and help them to understand the need for tuition increases.”

State universities are already required to get approval from an oversight body of hikes of more than 5 percent, Dembrow said.

The bill, HB 4141, will go back to the House for final approval before heading to Gov. Kate Brown for her signature.