Like all students in the University System of Georgia (USG), students at Bainbridge College (BC) will pay a new temporary fee in Spring Semester 2009.

The $50 fee for students in two-year colleges was set by the Board of Regents Dec. 3, according to Chancellor Erroll Davis in a message to students. He explained the necessity of the temporary fee, designed to maintain academic quality in the current economic situation.

“Our philosophy is keep tuition affordable, provide access and offer a quality education. Sacrificing that quality is never an option,” Chancellor Davis said.

In his own message to BC students, Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services Dr. Marty Clay said the $50 fee implemented for students at two-year colleges is less than for students attending four-year colleges and universities. They will pay $75 and $100, respectively.

Reminding students that the state and the nation “are undergoing challenging economic conditions,” Chancellor Davis wrote to help students understand the necessity of the new fee.

It had been studied by the Board of Regents since August, the chancellor said, citing statistics about decreased state revenues and outlining relevant actions by the board in response to budget reductions for fiscal year 2009. He noted that in April the Regents will set tuition for the next year and will review the fee.

“I wanted to make you personally aware of the decisions that were made that directly affect you and will be implemented in January 2009,” Chancellor Davis wrote. “These are not easy decisions. We understand the financial impact on students. But we also understand that we have a responsibility to you to provide a first-rate education, leading-edge research and committed public service.”

“Despite the temporary fee, Georgia maintains its history of low tuition that is a tremendous value for our students,” Dr. Clay said, and emphasized that “Bainbridge College is substantially less expensive than the typical college in the southeastern United States.”

Dr. Clay noted that Georgia is one of only two states in the region with two schools ranked in the US News and World Reports Top 20 public institutions. Virginia is the other state, and the average cost of tuition there is nearly twice that at Bainbridge College.

Dr. Clay pointed out that the downturn in the economy makes this a prime time to take advantage of educational opportunities.

“Georgia HOPE grants and scholarships, as well as available federal financial assistance, put a college education within reach of nearly everyone,” he said.