The CSU Board of Trustees approved a 5 percent midyear fee increase today, as well as a 10 percent increase for the 2011-2012 academic year.

The spring increase would raise fees by more than $105; tuition for the fall semester will go up by $222.

"This motion will entitle 30,000 more students to have access to a college education," said Jack O'Connell, state superintendent of public instruction. "It will mean more classes at convenient times and 'four-year degree' means four years and the net result will be cost-savings to our students who won't have to go on a six or seven-year plan."

The board voted on the 5 percent midyear and the 2011-2012 10 percent increases in two separate votes. This came a day after the finance committee approved sending the motions to the entire board.

The 10 percent hike in fees for the 2011-2012 academic year is embedded in the 2011-2012 support budget, according to finance committee Chairman William Hauck.

Four CSU presidents made the trip to Long Beach, where the board meets, to present their views on the fee increases - including SF State President Robert A. Corrigan.

"It's in our best interest," Corrigan said. "And unfortunately, I have to say to the students, it's in your best interest right now that as long as the financial aid is there, that we support that we can get through fees."

However, Corrigan also insisted that the trustees and the other 22 CSU presidents urge Sacramento to buy out the fee increase.

Back in June, when the initial 5 percent increase went into effect, the state legislature promised to match the other 5 percent required to balance the budget, according to board member Peter Mehas.

However, the legislature fell through on its assurance, forcing the board's hand, Mehas said.

"I'm not mad at the board of trustees. I don't agree with them but I understand," said Travis Northup, Associated Students Inc., vice president of external affairs. "The students should not blame them either, blame Sacramento."

Another factor in the board's decision is that the money from the federal stimulus package has run out, according to O'Connell.

Also, the Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor will release it's forecast for the 2011-2012 budget, which is expected to predict a deficit between $12-20 million, Hauck said.

"I understand the 5 percent increase but the 10 percent seems excessive," Northup said. "The board of trustees is trying to predict what is going to happen."