By Jayvee Vallejera
While the University of Guam has said it has no plans to raise tuition right now, Sen. Chris Barnett has proposed a bill that would freeze UOG’s tuition for the next three years—a move that UOG opposes, saying it will tie its hands and hamper its ability to respond to unforeseen financial challenges.
This comes as the Guam Legislature considers Bill 58-38, which proposes a one-time $5.7 million supplemental funding for UOG to help close a budget shortfall this fiscal year. Barnet wants to amend the bill to require UOG not to increase tuition in the next three years.
“My amendment is simple: no tuition hikes for the next three years, period,” Barnett said in a news statement. “The students of Guam deserve that assurance, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure we uphold that promise.”
UOG, however, is against this, saying any amendment tying the supplemental funding to a three-year tuition freeze “would significantly limit” its ability to respond to rising costs, inflation, and unforeseen fiscal challenges.
Not that UOG has any plans to increase its tuition right now. “While UOG retains the authority to adjust tuition if necessary, there are no current plans to raise tuition,” a UOG statement said.
In fact, this is why the university is asking for the supplemental funding in the first place, said Anita Borja Enriquez, UOG president
She said she wanted to keep the university affordable and the additional money they are asking for will be used to support urgent needs related to accreditation and institutional operations.
“Affordability and access are cornerstones of UOG’s mission,” Enriquez said. “We appreciate the Legislature’s support and encourage open dialogue to ensure students remain the top priority—both in terms of affordability and the quality of education they receive—while also ensuring the long-term sustainability of the university.”'
Barnett said his move to insert the tuition freeze amendment is a “direct response” to last Friday’s legislative hearing on Bill 58-38, during which UOG officials reportedly first gave testimony about planned tuition increases that they later clarified as just mere “intentions.”
While UOG may claim that there are no plans for a tuition hike, Barnett said he wants to make one thing absolutely clear: “My amendment will ensure that no tuition increase takes place for the next three years as a result of the funding proposed in Bill 58-38.”
“Affordability must always be a top priority,” Barnett said. “Students should never bear the burden of funding shortfalls at [UOG]. The university’s request for additional funding to cover salary increases and operational needs is entirely reasonable, but we must be firm in making sure that the cost of that funding does not fall on the backs of students.”
Barnett’s proposed amendment would freeze tuition and fee increases for three years, and any tuition hikes related to the appropriation for salaries or operations will be subject to strict legislative oversight.
“If UOG wants to raise tuition during this period, they’ll have to show proof that it’s entirely unrelated to the funding in question. It is clear that there are plans to increase tuition, and that is a conversation we can have in three years,” he added.
The amendment requires UOG to submit detailed financial justifications for any potential increase in tuition. Failing to do so will trigger a full legislative review of the university’s tuition and fee structure.
“I am not willing to stand by while our UOG students are forced to pay for what is essentially a budget gap. If we’re going to approve additional funding for UOG, it’s our responsibility to ensure that it doesn't come at the cost of the students’ education and financial wellbeing.”
Barnett emphasized the need for greater transparency and accountability, saying, “The idea that the university can request funding without clear assurances that it won’t lead to higher tuition is unacceptable. We must hold UOG accountable and make sure that any funding they receive is used wisely and in the best interest of our students.”
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