Saint Mary's director of finance Laurie Stickelmaier spoke to Board of Governance members Monday about campus wide budget cuts occurring at the College.
Stickelmaier said she predicts that it will take Saint Mary's three years to return to its normal financial standing and predicted that tuition would increase no more than 4 percent each year.
"Until Saint Mary's is nationally recognized, which it should be, as an excellent institution, tuition will continue to rise," said Stickelmaier.
Stickelmaier assured the board that the finances will greatly increase once the new student center opens in March. It will include a new bookstore and convenience store, which is expected to generate much higher revenues compared to the current bookstore. The student center is projected to open in March 2005.
SMC Pride Week kicked off Monday with a picnic and concert on the library green, and events are scheduled throughout the week. Today's activities include a scavenger hunt at 8 p.m. at Dalloway's. On Wednesday the College will host a "Spirit Soccer Game" at 4 p.m. as the Belles take on Hope College and Thursday SAB will be show the movie "13 Going on 30" on the library green after sunset. "Spirit Week" events conclude Friday as Saint Mary's co-sponsors the Notre Dame pep rally along with Keough Hall and O'Neill Hall.
In other BOG news:
u Women's Issues Commiss-ioner Katie Kelly reported that the Women's Issues group is planning a Love Your Body Day to take place before fall break.
u Kelly reported that voter registration was successful and that Fox News covered the event.
u Board of Governance also welcomed its newest member, freshmen class president Colleen Kielty, who was elected in last week's freshman class elections. Kielty is originally from Chicago and lives in Holy Cross Hall.
Student Trustee Sarah Brown said that freshmen board elections would take place Oct. 5. The College will host a "Meet the Candidates" session next Monday at 7 p.m. in Haggar Parlor with the 19 candidates running for board positions.
