Alabama Board of Trustees discusses tuition increases, ‘smart communities’ electric cars

By WVUA 23 News Student Reporter Nick Balenger

The University of Alabama’s Board of Trustees met Thursday to discuss construction plans and fiscal responsibilities for the 2023-2024 school year. The primary functions of the Board are to review existing policies; define the mission, role, and scope of each campus; and assume ultimate responsibility to the public and political bodies of Alabama. The purpose of Thursday’s meeting was to motion resolutions for Friday’s full board meeting.

Here are some of the projects the university is discussing:

• Upgrading University Blvd for a better gameday experience. Construction is conducted during summer while most students and faculty are away.
• Creating “smart communities” and an innovation center. The center will house research and teaching for students interesting in pursuing a field in the electric car industry.
• Student life and wellness services will take over the former Bryant Dining Hall after renovations are complete. Director of Campus Development Tim Leopard said there’s a growing need for this on campus.

“We have another facility that they’re in now. That lease is coming up,” Leopard said. “So this will be a great opportunity to give them an environment to serve students and to utilize a building on campus that’s a little bit under-utilized.”

One of the other topics up for discussion at Friday’s meeting include a freeze on in-state tuition rates for the 2023-2024 school year. This comes while out of state rates look to increase by 3%.

The purpose of the Board of Trustees is to ensure the effective leadership, management, and control over the activities of the three doctoral research universities in The University of Alabama System. This structure provides for a definitive, orderly form of governance, and secures and continues responsive, progressive, and superior institutions of higher education.