Students got the first hints of next year's tuition and fee increases at two town hall meetings held Thursday in the Union.

While no specific numbers can be discussed, University Provost Richard Herman said the administration will propose a tuition increase of 5 percent to 10 percent.

"The precise number is still being discussed," Herman said.

Patricia Askew, vice chancellor for student affairs, said the administration will propose a $10 fee increase, most of which will fund recreational facility renovations and a 4 percent increased salary program.

Herman said the revenue generated by the tuition change — which is planned to be presented to the Board of Trustees in November — will be used to restore some of the services the University lost as a result of this year's severe budget cuts.

He said faculty retention is a high priority, citing the 44 faculty members that resigned for positions at different institutions, 36 of whom have done so this year. Herman also discussed restoring the discovery program and library services as possible uses of the revenue from the proposed tuition hike.

Felipe Hillard, tuition policy committee member, said he is disappointed that students have become responsible for the University's funding through tuition increases.

"The state legislature has failed the students (of the University)," he said.

Herman said the state has cut $70.2 million from University funds over the past two years and the University lost 901 positions in those years.

However, Hillard also said he was disappointed that the Board of Trustees raised tuition only 5 percent after a survey sent to students last spring indicated an acceptance of an 8 percent increase.

He called the Board's decision a "clear example of the student voice not being heard."

A similar survey will be sent to students in the following weeks once the University has made an official tuition proposal, Hillard said.

The survey's questions will focus on what students prioritize as important University services, he said.