by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Students at the University of Guam are hoping elected leaders will come to their aid to avert a rate hike proposed for the upcoming spring semester. Despite an increase in enrollment, the university's funding levels have remained the same while the cost to educate students has increased.

Student Government Association's Anthony Quenga says they have been soliciting support as 70% of UOG students are receiving financial aid. "A hike in tuition will not be as feasible for some of our students as we would like it to be. It comes with some benefits but it comes with some struggle for the students and it makes us difficult to market the university as the premiere education source," he said.

The university suggests that $1.47 million for student tuition that would have been provided for in Bill 516, which was recently vetoed by the governor would have prevented the 10% rate hike proposed for the spring semester. The members of the SGA are scheduled to meet with Speaker Judi Won Pat on Friday morning.

Meanwhile, a public hearing will be held at the university next Thursday at two o'clock.