The MSU Board of Trustees discuss issues during their June 17, 2015, meeting at the Hannah Administration Building. Joshua Abraham/The State News

The Trustees raised tuition by 2.7 percent for in-state lower division students, or roughly $12 per credit hour, and 2.7 percent for upper division students, or $13.25 per credit hour. The raise falls below the state tuition cap, meaning MSU doesn't forfeit $1 million in state aid, like Eastern Michigan University did earlier this week.

For the sixth consecutive year, the MSU Board of Trustees raised tuition, but the added stress of increased costs can't be eased with a cigarette, because that was banned too.

Lower divisions students would pay about $13,560 per semester with a 30 credit load per year and upper division students would pay about $15,105.

For graduate students of most colleges, the tuition will increase 4 percent, or $26.75 per credit hour.

Though the Trustees lamented the tuition raise, with many blaming the declining state support for higher education, they nevertheless approved it, arguing that to provide services students need and to remain competitive as a world-class university, it simply had to be done. Melanie Foster, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees Finance Committee, said the initial raise was going to be higher, before being worked down.

“These always difficult decisions, balancing acts," President Lou Anna K. Simon said as she presented the findings of the Finance Committee to the rest of the board, adding “it’s always a delicate balance… to take care of the multiple needs of the institution."

Vice Chairperson Brian Breslin spoke out negatively to what he thought was an unfair blame towards Governor Rick Snyder and the state legislature. He said these are problems that go back more than just one administration.

“They’re doing the best they can, they wish they had more money too," he said.

Chairperson of the Policy Committee, Diane Byrum, presented the change in the MSU smoking policy to the Trustees, although Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, June Youatt spoke on the issue.

She said this would bring MSU in line with hundreds of universities across the country, with this policy change being in the works for years.

“It’s really about promoting a healthier campus," Youatt said.

The policy won't go into effect until Aug.15 2016, to give smokers time to adjust.