Students Rally Against Proposed Tuition Hike

State university students say a five percent tuition increase would be too much.

Dozens of students rallied on the campus of Central Connecticut State University on Monday to speak out against proposed increases to their tuition and fees.

"Today we're asking the state to invest in us," Eric Bergenn, the student government president at C.C.S.U., said.

Some students held signs in protest. Others marched and chanted, voicing concerns about being unable to afford the proposed 5 percent increase.

They said they fear it would add to their student loan debt after graduation.

"I don't have 800 more dollars. That's how much the tuition's going to go up. It's going to be very difficult for me to pay that," Chris Menapace, a junior at C.C.S.U., said.

The proposed increase the the Board of Regents is considering for the state university system would raise tuition and fees for in-state students living on campus by $778 a year, in-state students living off campus would pay $434 more and out-of-state students would pay an extra $1,251, according to figures the Board of Regents released.

"That could be the difference for some students in going to college next year," said Bergenn.

Also, students voiced concerns about their representation on the Board of Regents.

Currently, there are two student members -- one for the state universities and one for the community colleges.

"The way the current system is set up, when the governor comes out with a budget, the Board of Regents isn't going to go to the State Legislature and ask for more money," Bergenn said.

"The regents are mindful that any increase in tuition and fees -- regardless of the amount -- is difficult for our students to absorb in these tough financial times," Colleen Flanagan Johnson, the spokesperson for the Regents, said in a statement. "We respect the right of students to voice their opinions about this proposal and their concerns about their representation on the Board, as it underscores the importance of a healthy, robust dialogue on higher education campuses across our state."

Students also plan to board buses and rally outside to the Board of Regents meeting later this month in Hartford when the final vote is expected. Students from all of the state universities are expected to attend.

"We have to make college affordable for people, especially if we want to advance the economy," said Melissa Soto, a graduate student at C.C.S.U.

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