John Paul Johnson is tired of conducting Kansas University choirs in a rehearsal room that hasn’t seen many updates since it was built in 1956.

“There are holes in the floor, the windows can’t close, there are holes in the walls,” said Johnson, the choir director and professor of music. “We have to be careful where we sit or step so we don’t hurt ourselves or rip our clothes.”

Now, students in the department of music and dance may be asked to pay more in tuition to help pay for renovations and a laundry list of other improvements. The department’s leaders say the state hasn’t provided enough over the years for adequate upkeep at Murphy Hall.

“We need to move forward with this,” Department Chairman Larry Mallett said. “We can’t fall further behind.”

The proposal calls for students taking music and dance classes to pay an additional $12 per credit hour beginning in fall 2004. Kansas residents currently pay $117.55 per credit hour, and nonresidents pay $366.75.

Two KU schools already charge $15 per credit hour extra for students — the school of architecture and urban design and the school of engineering — to pay for equipment and other costs.

Mallett noted that several other music and dance departments — including the universities of Oklahoma, Missouri and Colorado — also have extra fees in place.

The extra fee at the department of music and dance would generate about $150,000 per year that could be spent on a variety of areas, including:

Kansas University music professor John Paul Johnson conducts class in the choir practice room at Murphy Hall. Students in the music department may be asked to pay a higher tuition in order to pay for renovations to rooms such as this choir room, shown Wednesday.

• renovation of the choral room;
• fresh paint, improved lighting and acoustical improvements for the department’s 78 practice rooms;
• renovation of the Swarthout Recital Hall stage;
• financial assistance for students participating in off-campus performances and competitions;
• and several new staff positions, including instructors in guitar, harp and jazz piano, computer and instrument technicians, and staff for the choral, orchestral and dance divisions.

¢KU Department of Music and Dance

The increase, which must be approved by KU administrators and the Kansas Board of Regents, comes at a time of unprecedented tuition increases at KU. Tuition for all students increased about $20 per credit hour each of the last two years and is expected to increase by similar amounts each of the next three years.

Mallett called a meeting of the department’s students earlier this week to present the plan. Only one member of the 13-member Student Advisory Council voted against the plan, he said.

“This is horrible timing,” Mallett said. “Probably the most uncomfortable thing I’ve had to do is get up in front of the students and make that presentation. But if we had another option, we’d be pursuing it.”

Johnson said he thought the fee was the best way for the department to plan for the future.

“It’s definitely a good idea for the school,” he said. “It’s frustrating tuition rates and the state Legislature haven’t kept up with the overall needs of the university.”

Melissa Hambleton, a Leavenworth junior majoring in music education, agreed.

“I think the state should buck up,” she said. “But if I see the benefits (of paying more) then I don’t mind.”