The Board of Regents will hold a public forum Monday to address the University’s 2003 fiscal year budget.

University President Mark Yudof will unveil the upcoming budget recommendations Friday before the Board of Regents.

The budget is expected to include a tuition increase of 14.4 percent for the 2002-03 academic year to accommodate the possible $23.6 million budget reduction by the state.

Maureen Reed, Board of Regents chairwoman, said the forum is an opportunity for the public to be heard.

“It’s a time where (the regents) zip it up and listen,” Reed said. “It’s one of the most important things we do as a public board.”

The regents will vote on the budget in June.

Reed said the Board takes the suggestions from the forum seriously before the final vote.

“We listen and then reflect on possible changes,” Reed said. “Students, staff – everyone is welcome.”

The forum will be held at the Gateway alumni center from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Yudof’s recommendations will be online at www.umn.edu/regents.

– Elizabeth Putnam