It seems rather funny and quite disheartening to see President Spanier push for faculty raises. Just last month, President Spanier was pleading Penn State's case to the state legislators in Harrisburg, and now he says we need to raise faculty salaries.

It seems to me that with possibly $47 million less funding next year, raising faculty salaries is the least of this university's concerns.

On the front page of Wednesday's paper, there was an article about President Spanier's proposal. Included in that article is a quote from University spokesman Bill Mahon, in which he says that "Faculty are the heart of any good institution."

Well, Mr. Mahon, that in fact may be true, but also at the heart of any good institution, more so than the faculty, are the students.

Without students, this university would not exist. Although many students are upset with the proposed tuition increase, many realize that it may be necessary because of the governor's proposed budget cut.

But I know I for one will resent my extra tuition going toward a faculty salary increase instead of being used to keep programs open and fund research. I do not doubt the prestige of many of our faculty members.

Nor do I doubt that this is one of the best universities in the country in terms of academics. But I do not agree that, in lieu of a tuition increase, faculty deserve an increase in salary.

It is not fair to the student, their parents, or the general well being of the university.