By: Alexandra Camejo/Editor in Chief

Financial aid, the impact of STEM degrees and tuition are some of the issues that University President Mark Rosenberg, Student Government Association and members of the University community, will address in Tallahassee on FIU Day.

Today marks the 11th year that administration, trustees, faculty and student leaders including Modesto Maidique Campus President Patrick O’Keefe and Biscayne Bay Campus President Denise Halpin gather for the event.

On Jan. 19, Rosenberg and other presidents in the state university system appeared before the State House Education Committee to address the possibility of tuition hikes— hikes about which Rosenberg had considerable misgivings.

“I can’t tell you that I’m enthusiastic about raising tuition to the national average in the next three years because that would have a significant impact upon students who matter to me,” said Rosenberg in response to questions by House Committee Chairman Rep. William L. Proctor.  “I’m not convinced that the financial aid would be there to reduce the difficulty and the pain.”

According to the lobbying group Florida Student Association, its opposition to a tuition increase in 2012 comes “after a nearly 20 percent reduction in Bright Futures awards, decreasing state financial aid award amounts, and a 15 percent total (base and differential) tuition increase in 2011.”

The FSA sponsored “Rally in Tally” is an opportunity for attendees to have one-on-one meetings, open forums, and to speak on issues relevant to students such as University funding.

O’Keefe, also serves as the external vice chair for the FSA’s Board of Directors.

Each year, attendees, through one-on-one meetings, open forums and discussions, speak on issues relevant to students such as block tuition, textbook affordability and University funding.

For the video of Rosenberg’s full presentation to the House Committee, go to http://1.usa.gov/A2xCH4.