Regents vote 5-2 to approve 9.5% hike in tuition (Continued from Page 1) hers salaries that are competitive with other top schools nationwide. "I DO NOT believe a five percent (salary increase) will be sufficient to help us keep from losing ground with our peer institutions," said Frye. "But it will be fairly competitive with what's going on." Baker strongly opposed the increase and proposed an amendment, which was defeated 5-2, that the hike be reduced to 8.5 percent. "It is about time we stepped up to the challenge of trying to reduce tuition," Baker said. "The only constituency not spoken for is the students themselves in regard to tuition." NO STUDENTS from the Ann Arbor campus, however, spoke during the public comment session on Thursday. University President Harold Shapiro said the administration is sensitive to the burden tuition increases have been on students and their families. But a 9.5 percent hike is necessary to keep the University a high-quality institution, he said. "SURVIVAL IS not the issue at the University," Shapiro said. "It's a question of what we are and what we aspire to be. "We are trying to build an inter- national University and it's a damn hard thing to do," he said. "We have reduced the burden to students for perhaps the first time in a decade." Dunn supported Baker's amendment for a smaller increase and urged the board to reduce tuition costs now because he said it is likely state funding will decrease next year. AN 8.5 PERCENT increase, however, would mean $1 million less for Univer- sity programs, said Regent Paul Brown (D-Petoskey). "When you look at the reality of what a difference $1 million makes, it is pain- ful and difficult to find places to make those cuts," Brown said. "I don't feel we can easily find another million to cut from someplace." An increase in student financial aid was also proposed in the University's budget, but the higher tuition - The University is the nation's most expen- sive public school - prevents low and middle income students from enrolling, said Regent Nellie Varner (D-Detroit). "MY MAIN concern is (that) as tuition increases it makes the University less and less accessible to students from disadvantaged backgrounds," said Varner. She added, however, that it is essential to keep the University competititve with other schools. Although Frye admits the University could eventually be affor- dable to only wealthy students, he said the problem is "not striking yet." The average tuition increases for public schools nationwide is 10.5 per- cent, according to Frye. Tuition for Michigan's public schools increased about 9.5 percent and for private universities rose by 11 percent. University President Harold Shapiro, left, and Vice President for State Relations, Richard Kennedy, watch over the ac- tion at yesterdays Regents' meeting. The proceedings, however, were not calm as Regent Deane Baker (R-Ann Arbor) unsuccessfully protested the tuition increase. Regents approve steeper fees By CHERYL BAACKE Tuition is the painful part about coming to the University, but the Regents yesterday also approved some smaller drains on students' pocketbooks. Engineering students will now have to pay an extra $100 a term for a new computer system which may expand to other parts of the University if it is successful. THEY WILL HAVE exclusive and unlimited access to the computers, which are becoming an integral part of engineer- ng curriculum. The Regents also approved a 25 cent per term increase in the fee students must pay to the Michigan Student Assembly. The current $4.25 a term fee will rise to $4.50 in September and $4.75 a term in the 1984-85 school year. The Regents tabled until another meeting an MSA request for funds for a student research center that would conduct studies on the quality of student life at the University. VICE-PRESIDENT for Student Services Henry Johnson refused to recommend funds for the program, but MSA will reintroduce the plan. The Regents also agreed to a proposal that may bring an end to those long summer days drinking beer in the Diag. They extended a city ordinance banning consumption of alcohol to include the area bounded by State, North Univer- sity, South University and East University streets. "No drinking" signs will be posted in the area, and the or- dinance will be enforced by the Ann Arbor Police Depar- tment. Violators face a $100 fine. In other action, the Regents unanimously approved a proposal to combine the positions of the dean of the Rackham School of Graduate Studies with the University vice president for research. Rackham Dean Alfred Sussman will now hold both posts, and a planning committee will work with him to see if the merger is effective. University officials hope the combinations will help cut down on the duplication that goes on between the two offices. S T U D EN T L OA NS DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS We can help finance your college education We can help you beat the high cost of a higher education with a STUDENT LOAN FASTLOAN! You don't have to have an account with us to apply, so give us a call today for more information. We'll be happy to send you the forms. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL TOLL-FREE 1-800-521-4324 FIRST 41.,FEDERAL SavingsBank M. inff"e: 761 W.HronSt..7Pot 48053 FS w0M MYM Wth Of fices Serving Southeastern Michiga -- '"NDE