In an effort to open dialogue with ISU students, Gov. Tom Vilsack was on campus Monday to address concerns about proposed increases in tuition.

But before he opened up the afternoon to questions, Vilsack had a few things to say.

He wants the Cyclones to win Saturday’s game.

“If we lose, I have to go to Nebraska and buy the governor a dinner, but if we win, he will have to come to Iowa and buy me dinner,” Vilsack said.

But this light-hearted environment did not last long.

The Memorial Union’s Cardinal Room was filled with about 100 students who wanted to hear the reasons for recent budget decisions. The topic on everyone’s minds was the tuition increase.

To decrease its impact, Vilsack said he has put in place a plan to make college loans interest-free for students who plan to stay in Iowa after graduation.

However, it won’t work for all students.

“How are you planning to help out-of-state [veterinary] students who will be more than $100,000 in debt when they finish college, but will only earn $40,000 a year?” asked Andrea Warner, sophomore in veterinary medicine.

Warner, from Ohio, said the salary of a veterinarian will not cover the out-of-state tuition and fees she has to pay.

Vilsack said, “Honestly, I have no idea.” He said he and the Board of Regents were open to suggestions.

Although the board plays a large role in the decision of tuition, Vilsack said he places the responsibility of higher education funding on the state Legislature.

“The board has to concentrate on the quality of education,” he said.

“If the state Legislature does not step up to the plate and do its job, the board’s hands are tied.”

When asked about his role in this year’s tuition increase, Vilsack did not believe it was his responsibility.

“If I had not articulated an alternative plan and provided a forum to discuss it, I would feel differently.”

Bob Nitz, sophomore in electrical engineering, was not satisfied with Vilsack’s response.

“[Vilsack] has the veto, and he could have cut other funds, but instead he chose to increase tuition,” Nitz said.

“He said he doesn’t want to raise tuition. If that is true, it would be his responsibility to keep it from increasing.”