One of the actions taken by the Board of Trustees last Thursday was the approval of a tuition increase for non-resident students effective in the Fall.

Leslie Griffin, the school’s controller, signed off on a new $190 per unit fee for nonresidents and $210 fee for international students on Jan. 27.

That translates to a $7 increase per unit on the current cost of classes, but could add up to a considerable amount of revenue for the college in these uncertain financial times.

Under new governor Jerry Brown, California community colleges were contacted in January to provide feedback on which of seven proposed adjustments to rates each found most preferable.

Schools had until Feb. 1 to decide and submit a response if they wanted any say in the decision, which ultimately rests with lawmakers in Sacramento when they cobble together some kind of state budget as early as June. College administration announced the increase Jan. 27.

That was only after then-still Associated Student President Atty Garfinkel called for an emergency meeting over winter break.

In a letter announcing the unplanned meeting, Garfinkel stressed the need to include student representation in any such matter.

After vice president Dr. Jack Friedlander and Dean of Business Services Joe Sullivan presented the same seven options, the senate voted on the same one the Administration chose.

Friedlander commended the Senate for taking the initiative to meet on their own time and suggested the body consider scheduling meetings over future breaks to avoid the feeling of being left out of such important decisions.

While hikes have been expected for all students, the only question is which direction the state legislature will choose during a time when neither cuts nor the possibility of raised taxes in order to save any funding are politically popular.

In the meantime, the rates for courses that any students have yet to add will remain the same.