As the economy continues its downturn, some students continue to look for clarity about how University fees and tuition are assessed.

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Renee Romano and Provost Linda Katehi tried to clarify some of these issues late Wednesday afternoon during an informational session at the Illini Union.

Katehi spoke about trends in tuition prices, as well as some of the ways that the University spends its income.

“Ninety percent of our income, if not more, goes into salaries, into our people,” Katehi said. “Last year we announced a 1.5 percent increase in salaries, but as an institution, we generally have to pay faculty what the market dictates.”

She also reiterated that the University was still looking for ways to overcome such a large drop in state funding.

“The reduction in the last five years from the state has been very steep. They will not have enough money to give us what they promised.”

Romano primarily spoke about reasons for increases in three University fees for fiscal year 2010 including, the general fee, service fee and health fee.

“I think of the general fee as one that’s pretty fixed because it pays the debt service on some of our campus buildings,” Romano said.

“Those numbers are given to us by the administration, and there’s not a lot of leeway with those.”

But while only small increases in the general and health fees are expected, Romano said the largest increase would come by way of a 12.1 percent jump in the service fee. She said that costs of utilities at the University are expected to go up 40 percent, and this increase is intended to partially compensate for the spike.

Student Trustee Paul Schmitt said participation in these discussions is very important for the University community.

“This is very beneficial for students to look at and be engaged in,” Schmitt said.