U of M regents approve 5 percent tuition hike

The University of Minnesota board of regents has passed a budget that will raise tuition for most students by 5 percent, freeze employee wages, and cut millions from the school's academic programs.

U officials are assuming they'll get $71 million less in state funding next year, even though there's no agreement on higher education funding because of the budget impasse at the state Capitol.

U of M president Robert Bruininks, who steps down June 30 after nine years on the job, said he isn't happy with the budget.

"This, in my judgment, is one of my disappointing acts," Bruininks said. "I have the unenviable position of presenting what I consider a dismal budget."

Two regents voted against the budget proposal. Steve Sviggum and Laura Brod , both former Republican lawmakers, felt the budget didn't go far enough in cutting costs at the U.

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