Texas A & M University-Commerce will hold three public hearings this week to discuss a proposed increase in designated tuition for the 2013-2014 academic year.

Two hearings will take place March 1 on the main campus and at the Metroplex Center in Mesquite with the final hearing to take place back in Commerce. The first hearing will be at 3 p.m. in the Business Administration Building in room 290. The second hearing will be at 6:15 p.m. at the Metroplex Center in room 133. The last hearing will be held March 2 at 10 a.m. in the Traditions Room at the Rayburn Student Center.

The range of increase that will be considered is $0 to $10 per semester credit hour each year. The actual increase will be dependent upon the approval of The Texas A & M System Board of Regents.

Designated tuition is a general use fee authorized by the Texas Education Code that universities use as part of a student's total tuition costs. At $99.68 per semester credit hour, A & M-Commerce's present designated tuition ranks below the average of all designated tuition rates of the 37 public universities in Texas.

The university will seek authority from the board of regents at its May meeting to increase designated tuition for A & M-Commerce. Many other state universities are considering similar proposals.

In accordance with System Policy 26.01, all three hearings will be open to the public and anyone who is interested is welcome to attend.