University of Georgia students could get hit with another hike in the fees they must pay as state officials get ready to absorb another round of state budget cuts.
The University System Board of Regents, which oversees the state's 35 public colleges and universities, is scheduled to vote on the $100-per-semester hike at its upcoming meetings Tuesday and Wednesday in Atlanta.
Students at other colleges would face smaller fee hikes, including $50 per semester more at Gainesville State College.
The increase would come on top of a $100-per-semester emergency fee the regents imposed beginning last year.
Meanwhile, UGA officials are bracing for another reduction in state funding, said Tim Burgess, senior vice president for finance and administration.
The governor's office has not yet officially ordered the 3 percent cut, but the state Office of Budget and Planning has warned government agencies to be prepared for a new round, Burgess said.
State revenue collections in October were down nearly 18 percent from October 2008.
UGA and other state agencies began the fiscal year with 5 percent less state funding, while preparing a plan for an 8 percent budget cut.
A 3 percent cut would slice about $12 million more from UGA's instructional budget, Burgess said.
"It's going to mean a severe tightening of our fiscal situation. It'll be mitigated a little bit by the student fee," he said.
UGA Student Government Association leaders are resigned to the fee hike.
But just as the regents did last year when they approved the first $100 fee hike, the regents are increasing what students have to pay without involving student leaders in planning, said SGA President Katie Barlow.
"Obviously, we understand the budget cuts. But a decision is being made that will financially burden students without students even being at the table," Barlow said.
"I would much prefer a tuition increase," said Will Rooks, president of UGA's Graduate Student Association.
Assistance and scholarships, including the state HOPE Scholarship, will cover tuition hikes, but students must cough up their own money to pay fees.
Even if the state orders a 3 percent cut, UGA should be able to get through the rest of the academic and fiscal years without layoffs, Burgess said.
"But if this level or more goes into FY '11, I can't make any promises," he said. "I don't know if it's possible to go through 2011 without layoffs."
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That's the problem with the state government of Georgia, the ones who can least afford it, are the ones who are being asked to shoulder the expense. While the fat cats keep getting fatter.