Right now it seems unlikely that anyone will hold a University fund-raising bake sale or a "Win a dream date" contest.

But if students heed the words of University Board of Trustees President Marian U. Coppersmith Fredman, those could become new Penn State traditions.

Coppersmith Fredman told members of the University Student Advisory Board last week that if students organized fund raisers, they could prevent a tuition increase next year.

But, making students responsible for bringing 24 years of tuition increases to an end is unrealistic.

Many students already take on the burden of funding their own education by holding full- and part-time jobs. Clearly, they would not have time -- and shouldn't have to make time --to raise funds to prevent another tuition increase.

And even if students did organize a fund raiser, avoiding a tuition increase would be nearly impossible.

The University needs $10 million dollars to circumvent an increase next year. However, even the largest student-run philanthropy in the country, the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, has not yet come close to that mark, raising $785,835.35 last year.

However, holding 12.7 dance marathons would tire out even the most energetic and school-spirited student. And, obviously, such dancing dedication would make raising money a higher priority than education.

Placing the blame for tuition increases on students shows that Coppersmith Fredman and possibly other trustees are out of touch with the University and the student body.

Students should not be blamed for the $3 million deficit in state funding to the University and holding them responsible for budgetary problems is not fair.

Coppersmith Fredman is correct in saying that students should become more involved in the fight against tuition hikes.

But fund raisers are not the answer. Lobbying the state legislature for more funding is a more logical -- and probably more successful -- tactic.

And, Student Trustee E.J. Shaffer must help keep trustees in touch with what is happening on campus.

Student-run bake sales and raffles are not the solution to the University's funding problem. But, by working together, students and trustees can find ways to curb the rising cost of higher education.