As a graduating fifth-year senior, I am appalled by the idea of increasing tuition for "super seniors." Now that I am at the threshold of the light at the end of the tunnel as described by Paul Duby in "Tuition hikes could be in 5th-year students' futures" (SN 3/24), I am very pleased with the circumstances that led to my extended stay at the university.

I attended two full summer sessions and completed an eight-month internship at a medical device manufacturer in Cincinnati to complete my degree requirements in a timely fashion. I also have worked 20 hours a week for the past three years to financially support myself. I can appreciate the plight of financial burdens that MSU and other universities face; however, to force excessive credits in order to meet 'U' projections of when a student must graduate to save money will ultimately lead to failure and a decrease in senior GPAs.

Installation of this funding system will have a direct effect on the retention rates of students, especially minorities. The degree-granting program itself is often the limiting factor because of course prerequisites. Students complete their semester programs according to the classload we can manage while taking into account work schedules and other personal obligations. One semester, I followed my adviser's program and registered for 15 credits while working two jobs for at least 25 hours per week. I earned only a 2.1 GPA.

I believe the extra year of study also allowed me to prepare for the real world and served as a cushion in a faltering economy. I find my abilities as a professional and a contributing member of society to have been fine-tuned greatly.

College is seen as a time of discovery and freedom of self-expression. By punishing the already-stretched budget of a senior to complete college would be irresponsible of the university. The university openly encourages exploring different cultures by participating in Study Aboard and internships, but then possibly delivers a slap on the wrist for not completing the program in four years.

Shame on the university for even suggesting such a tool to increase funding. If you are looking for alternatives for funding to pay for frivolous projects, such as upgrading residence halls to include jet bathtubs and televisions in the community bathrooms, look in your own pockets. I know I have.

LeRonda Perry
packaging senior