HARRISBURG -- University President Joab Thomas asked for a state funding increase of about $33 million.

Thomas also proposed a 4 percent tuition increase as part of the 1992-93 appropriation request. The increase would mean an extra $87 per semester for in-state undergraduates at University Park.

Thomas requested the increase at yesterday's budget hearings held by the state Senate Appropriations Committee.

The 12.9 percent requested increase follows two years of budget slashing by the state. Gov. Robert P. Casey has also proposed cuts of 3.7 percent, or about $9.5 million, for next year's budget.

In response to last year's cuts, administrators recently instituted a reallocation program, asking University divisions to return a percentage of their budgets.

"We are lean, efficient and I believe an effective institution," Thomas said.

But Casey's proposed cuts for next year may cause administrators to eliminate programs, Thomas said, adding that he has formed a small committee to examine options.

Thomas stressed that he would rather eliminate programs than cut faculty salaries, saying that the University could lose valuable employees.

Compared with other schools, the University is consistently underfunded, Thomas said.

University appropriations are about $60 million below the average appropriations of 40 other major public schools, although Penn State serves about 26,000 more students.

State Sen. J. Doyle Corman, R-Centre, questioned why higher education has had trouble stimulating state support.

Thomas admitted that he and other University administrators may shoulder part of the blame.

"I assume some responsibility for that," Thomas said, re-emphasizing the need for an expanded grassroots effort and better articulation of the University's needs.

But Thomas also spoke optimistically about the University. Faculty brings about $275 million annually to the state in research, he said.

Student representatives also attended the hearings and Undergraduate Student Government President Mark Stewart expressed his satisfaction with the trip.

"As far as trips to Harrisburg go, it was pretty productive for once -- I was pleased," Stewart said.

Stewart, who lobbied legislators with four other USG members, said such efforts can sometimes be frustrating and overrated.