When Susan Kabelitz found out that her tuition was going up from $18 to $26 per unit this semester, she decided to ask Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for an explanation herself.

The English major wrote a letter to Schwarzenegger asking why he had raised tuition fees and unexpectedly received a reply from him last month.

In his response, Schwarzenegger explained that the increase was necessary, but that means would be taken to lower fees.

“The 2004-2005 budget will include funding for community colleges,” according to the letter.

“My administration continues to examine ways to cut waste from the community college system to ensure educational excellence is not compromised.”

Kabeltiz said she never expected to hear from Schwarzenegger.

“I expected him to read it and consider it just an opinion,” she said.

“I was appreciative that he (replied), Kabeltiz said. “I felt validated.”

Kabelitz said she was concerned about the rising costs of tuition, especially for students working to support themselves.

“I was feeling for the people out there, not me,” she said. “I (knew) how hard it is for them to try and make a life now.”

“I’m on the side of the students; I was angry for the students,” she said. “Even though I’m a student, I’m a taxpayer,” she said.

“That’s why I wrote it.”