I completed my undergraduate studies here at MSU and enjoyed it so much that I chose the institution for my graduate program. I have been treated more than fairly here and I think the administration has done well in providing me with a complete education that will allow me to compete with anyone in the nation or world for jobs. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about my time as a Spartan, as I love this institution greatly.

However, the recent talk and now supposed certainty of repealing the tuition guarantee has bothered me. I completely understand that MSU has no control over what is allotted to it from the government.

I have not approved of everything President M. Peter McPherson has done during my time at MSU, but I think the tuition guarantee was very innovative on his part. I have greatly appreciated the fact that tuition would not rise above the projected inflation rate for my time here and I had a guarantee to back it up.

I was brought up with the personal rule of never committing to anything I could not uphold. I understand the state has not followed through on closing the gap for education funding. However, a guarantee, in my book, is something that should be held up, especially when it is publicly documented.

President McPherson, I applaud your efforts in making the initial guarantee and don’t entirely blame you for making this decision, as I know it was a difficult one. I even credit you for doing what you believe is right for the university in a tough situation. I just hope this situation will serve as a reminder next time you use a word like “guarantee.”

What I would like to see is a sincere commitment that your initial promise will be reinstated if the funding gap is closed and that new avenues be explored so students can once again enjoy the benefits of a reasonably priced education. Thank you for the previous seven years of controlled tuition increases. Please bring them back to MSU as soon as possible.

Greg Goodall
mechanical engineering graduate student