The University of Windsor is raising tuition -- and tempers -- with changes for the 2010-2011 school year.

The school's board of governors approved tuition increases up to eight per cent at its meeting Tuesday evening.

'If we don't implement the increases, we won't get the revenue increases that we really need.'— Alan Wildeman, university president

All first-year students will have to pay 4.5 per cent more starting in September, while upper year graduate students will see their fees go up four per cent.

The biggest increase is for first-year students in professional programs such as business, law, engineering and computer science.

They will have to pay eight per cent more.

University blames rising costs

The school says the increase is necessary to help it address a budget shortfall.

"If we don't implement the increases, we won't get the revenue increases that we really need," said Alan Wildeman, the university's president.

"That would mean … the quality [of education] would be seriously affected, because we would have to make deeper cuts."

Wildeman says the university is not cutting any scholarships or bursaries.

'We're trying from every level, right from the local level, and we're not agreeing to any of the tuition increases.'—Omar Raza, student representative

He says universities across Ontario are facing financial challenges, adding that discussions with the provincial government about making post-secondary education more affordable are still ongoing.

Student groups oppose increase

Student groups say they understand the financial predicament the school is in, but say they don't have to like the tuition increase.

Omar Raza, student representative on the board of governors, says the real problem lies with higher levels of government who need to increase funding to universities.

"We're looking to our government to do more, and to make education a top priority," said Raza.

"We're trying from every level, right from the local level, and we're not agreeing to any of the tuition increases. To the provincial as well as federal levels, our lobby groups are constantly knocking on politicians' doors to ensure that education is at the forefront."

It will also cost more to live in residence on campus, and for meal plans.

Rates there will jump between three and five per cent next year.