32 percent increase proposed for students

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - University of California undergraduates could be facing much bigger tuition bills next year.

UC officials on Thursday released a plan that calls for a 15 percent increase in basic student fees starting in the winter 2010 term, followed by another 15 percent hike next fall.

If approved, in-state undergraduate fees would rise by 32 percent to $10,302.

Graduate student fees also would rise under the proposal.

The UC Board of Regents is set to discuss the fee increases and other measures to raise new revenue when it meets in San Francisco next week.

It is expected to vote on the proposal at its November meeting.

The 10-campus system is seeking ways to cut expenses and raise new revenue to offset a steep decline in state funding.