HARRISBURG -- University President Bryce Jordan warned state legislators last Monday that Penn State will cut programs if changes are not made to Gov. Robert P. Casey's budget proposal for next year.

In his last appearance as University president before the House and Senate appropriations committees, Jordan argued Penn State's case for a higher level of state funding. Without adequate increases, the University could face cutbacks in programs, faculy and maintenance projects, he added.

"We'll have to go back to the (University Board of) Trustees and begin eliminating programs," Jordan said.

One of the features of Casey's proposal Jordan would like changed is the governor's Tuition Challenge Grant Program. Separate from the official proposal procedure, the program added $3.3 million to the University's coffers for keeping its tuition increase to 4 percent this year.

Casey is again willing to part with $100 per student for public universities keeping tuition increases for the 1990-91 school year to $100 or less. The 4 percent increase, an addition included in the challenge by the legislature, was not carried over a Jordan is again asking for a percentage-based instead of a dollar-based increase in tuition, and would like $185 per student.

University spokesman Roger Williams said the University only received $71 per student this year.

Without any alterations, Penn State has virtually no chance of gaining any additional funds. In the proposed budget approved by the trustees in September, the University agreed to a 6 percent tuition increase, a rise of $225 for in-state undergraduates But Jordan promised Rep. Brian D. Clark, D-Allegheny and subcommittee chairman on education, that Penn State will take part in the challenge with changes or without.

"We're not going to walk away from the program," Jordan pledged. "It's our intention to work with the governor's recommendation. I hope certain changes can be made."

If the governor's deal remains unchanged, Jordan said budget cuts will have to be made. He declined to say what exact programs would be cut, adding that "would be inappropriate at this time."

Once again, Penn State's funding request is larger than the governor's proposal, as the University tries to grab as many state dollars as possible.

The University is asking for $270.1 million in state funding for the 1990-91 school year, which is a 12.7 percent increase over this academic year.

Casey countered with a 2.8 percent increase, recommending $243.5 million in state funding.

Last year, the University requested a 14.1 percent increase, but Casey recommended a 5.8 percent increase. The legislature took a middle-of-the-road approach and approved a 9.2 percent increase -- the largest increase in more than a decade.

Lynn B. Herman, R--Centre, said he hopes the tuition challenge grant is changed or Penn State may not participate in the program.

"Dr. Jordan made an excellent presentation to the House appropriations committee and I believe he substantiated an increase in support -- $185 per student is a worthy goal," he said.

Accompanied by four assistants --C.M. Evarts, senior vice president; William C. Richardson, executive vice president and provost; P. Richard Althouse, budget officer; and Steve Garban, senior vice president for financial operations -- Jordan answered more than an hour of questions as students from nearby universities held an environmental rally in the Capitol rotunda.

Occassionally, cheers and chants would disrupt the testimony. After an unusually loud outburst from the nearby students, Clark asked Jordan if he brought head football coach Joe Paterno along.

"Sounds like it," Jordan replied.

After the House hearing, Jordan said the protesting students did not bother him during his presentation.