ATHENS, Ohio -- Due to the state wide cutback on higher education funds, Ohio University has proposed a nine percent increase in tuition for current students and a 20 percent increase for incoming students. Even with the increase in tuition, departments within the university are being told to reduce their operating budgets by up to six percent. This leaves many students wondering about the allocation of the money.

Issues surrounding budget cutbacks and the tuition increase will be discussed on WOUB II, channel 25 on CATvision and Athens' Time Warner Cable, Wednesday, March 6, at 8 p.m. on "interACT Athens." Ohio University's Assistant Vice President of Communications and Marketing Leesa Brown will join host Ashlea Kosikowski and other panelists to field questions from Ohio University students as well as from the Athens community.

Questions may be asked over the phone, by e-mail or by instant messenger. This is an opportunity for students and community members to voice their concerns and opinions regarding this controversial tuition increase.

"InterACT Athens" is a weekly student-produced, call-in talk show on important issues facing Ohio University and the Athens community. The programs air live on WOUB II, channel 25 on Time Warner Cable systems, Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. and are rebroadcast Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.