Students can voice their opinions and concerns about next year’s tuition increases during an Arizona Board of Regents hearing today.

An interactive videoconference will allow students and community members to give their input on the levels of tuition and mandatory fees before the regents’ next meeting on April 7. UA President Robert Shelton proposed a $1,500 tuition increase for resident students and $600 for non-resident students for next year.

Access sites for the hearing will be held at university campuses across the state. Comments are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis rotating between locations.

Student participation has affected regents’ opinions in the past, according to Regent Ernest Calderón.

“”We get to hear where students are coming from on it,”” he said. “”It serves a great benefit.””

Student government leaders are also given a designated time to speak. Associated Students of the University of Arizona President Emily Fritze will address the regents along with Emily Connally, president of the Graduate and Professional Student Council.

Fritze said she will not have a completed tuition proposal by the hearing but will present student reaction and other information for the regents to consider.

“”I won’t have the formal document but can make some preliminary comments,”” she said.

Both ASUA and the Arizona Students’ Association are informing students of the hearing through Facebook, emails and phone calls.  

“”We’re definitely trying to get students out there,”” Fritze said. “”If this is an issue that’s important to them, they should show it by going at least to listen, but even more so, to speak and give a public testimony.””

Regents consider these testimonies when making decisions about tuition.

“”I want to hear why (students) think it’s reasonable or not and what impact it has on them,”” Calderón said.

Students who explain the consequences of tuition increases, such as having to find a second job, strengthen their arguments, Calderón said.

“”If someone comes in ranting and raving and saying we’re bad people, it doesn’t help,”” he said.

Elma Delic, board chair of ASA, recommended students arrive at the hearing 30 to 45 minutes beforehand to sign up to speak.

“”I think it’s good to prepare something,”” Delic said. “”Make sure you have a good personal story. They’re absolutely critical.””