At least 300 students are expected to travel to Harrisburg to lobby for an increase in state appropriations at today's Rally in the Rotunda.

Kathleen Streaker, Council of Commonwealth Student Governments (CCSG) governmental affairs director, said although only about 300 students are definitely attending, the original goal of about 600 people in attendance may be met through the appearance of additional students and alumni.

"We tried our hardest to get the students out there," she said. "Any students there is a positive thing."

Undergraduate Student Government (USG) Governmental Affairs Director Kyle Metzgar said he is unsure how many students will actually attend today's rally because some students have opted to find their own transportation, and students from branch campuses are also organizing trips to the capitol.

Although USG and the Interfraternity Council sponsored a 90-seat bus to transport students to the rally, only 15 students signed up, he said.

"I was wondering if it was my fault -- I didn't get the word out about it -- or if it's just apathy, and there's not much I can do about that," Metzgar said about the low interest.

Eight speakers are scheduled to speak at the rally, which starts at 1 p.m.

Sen. Jane Orie, R-Allegheny and Butler; Rep. Lynn Herman, R-Centre; Rep. Jewell Williams, D-Philadelphia; Rep. Steven Capelli, R-Lycoming; Rep. John Yudichak, D-Luzerne; Rep. P. Michael Sturla, D-Lancaster; USG President Galen Foulke and CCSG President Bridget Daly will speak about the importance of higher education and increased appropriations.

Foulke said he plans to tell legislators that students "are caught in the middle" with high tuition and the large presence in Harrisburg shows students care deeply about the issue.

He added that last year's rally convinced legislators to give Penn State an extra $10 million in state appropriations, and with this year's high turnout, Foulke is "very optimistic" students will have the same effect.

Streaker said invitations were mailed to all the senators and representatives to attend the rally.

She said she has received 10 e-mail responses from legislators who agreed to attend.

"I hope a lot of the legislators do come out. I know they have busy schedules," she said. "Considering we have six of them speaking is just an awesome thing already."

Metzgar said he spent Sunday doing last-minute flyering in campus buildings to increase awareness about the rally.

"Hopefully, maybe some people last minute will think, 'Well I've already heard about this 15 times,'" he said. "Maybe then it will click."

Metzgar said students will try to make an impact on legislators so they consider increasing appropriations to Penn State.

"When it comes to the floor -- that's when things would happen," he said.