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For the past few months there has been talk of an increase in fees for students studying at University of California colleges. Now the expected has become a reality. Tuition fees increases are very likely at University of California. With the entire state struggling financially at all levels of the government, it is not inevitable that this would happen. The announcement of fee increases however, did not go without incident. This morning, hundreds of student protestors took to the college campus, chanted, marched and took over a building at the UCLA campus.

The UC board of Regents has announced a 32% student fee increase amounting to about $2500 by the summer of 2010.

For the second day in a row, these fee proposals have drawn numerous student protests who waved banners with signs urging “no fee hikes and better leadership.” Campus police in helmets and face shields were ready to anticipate any trouble, but there were no violent incidents. The majority of students say that the hikes are way beyond what they can afford. Many already pay the fees from their own pockets because their parents are also in dire financial states.

While students did chain a few doors, the protest were peaceful and so far the Board has not made any immediate plans to fight students who protest. No arrests have been made so far but a few demonstrators were asked to disperse or risk arrest for disturbing the peace.

This protest movement is now moving to other campuses where similar demonstrations are planned.

Said UC President Mark Yudof said, “I can’t make any promises.” The problem he says is that the state has no more money to pay for operational costs and the university has to find a way to come up with the money. And higher fees appears to be the only choice. There was no mention in professors taking a cut back.

“When you have no choice, you have no choice,” Yudof said after a Regents’ committee endorsed the fee plan Wednesday. “I’m sorry.”

Students repeatedly interrupted the Los Angeles meeting and accused the Board of turning against the students.

So far, it appears that nothing is going to stop the increase in tuition fees. The students can protest all they want, but if they want to graduate they will have to pay up or drop out