With UC student fees on the rise in these past few years-and more than doubling since 2001-the looming possibility of the university digging deeper into the pockets of students isn't any real surprise. While most make their disgruntled complaints about the affordability of higher education heard around campus, they simply shell out the extra dollars after joining the gripe fest.

But this isn't just another year and just another increase. To be certain, the UC Board of Regents did consider a 9.4 percent student fee increase for the 2009-10 school year. Although that's no longer in the proposal, it still lingers on the table. Instead, the regents have called for a cut to enrollment for the incoming freshman class-a decision that should not be taken lightly. And that's coupled with explicit plans by the California State University system to cut enrollment by 10,000 students.

Despite hesitation to specify exactly how many prospective students will be denied admission, the regents' message is nevertheless clear. It's one directed not only at state legislators, but also at university officials and students: A discussion about the future of public higher education belongs on the agenda today. It can't be ignored any longer as the UC system dangerously nears the financial breaking point.

Drastic times indeed call for drastic measures. And no matter how the regents' latest 8-2 vote is viewed, capping the number of acceptance letters sent next fall is symptomatic of broader issues with California's public universities. Having to turn to a reduction in the student body should be a resounding alarm to the leaders of the state: Higher education has been on the bottom of the list for too long, and a refocus on the system is required, namely a massive overhaul of funding.

Arguably, the quality of education would improve if there were fewer students on campus. Each incoming class pushes the crowd capacity a little further, and a university can only serve a certain number of students adequately. Being able to access resources, to sign up for required courses during Telebears and to find a seat in a classroom rather than dwell in the aisles undoubtedly enhances the learning experience at UC Berkeley.

But if the enrollment cut becomes a reality, the situation is hardly one in which everyone wins. By setting limits, some who otherwise would have had an opportunity to go to college face closed doors instead. And Regent Eddie Island's apprehension about the proposal, fearing it would put underrepresented minorities and poorer applicants at the greatest disadvantage, should be ample reason for substantial distress.

However, propping the door open ushers in a whole set of objectionable consequences. To provide for the basic educational needs of a larger student population, cuts will likely have to be made elsewhere-say, to athletics or study abroad programs. Much to the ire of those who have fought relentlessly to keep the university public, collaboration with private corporations becomes an enticing way out.

Gone are the days when it was free to attend a UC, but the least the state can do now is make significant investments in education. After all, it's an investment for California's prospects tomorrow.