If you’re planning on taking more than 12 credit hours next fall, you can basically kiss an extra $58.88 good-bye.

The NIU Board of Trustees approved a 5.5 percent increase in student fees last week, and if you’re frustrated, you have a voice who should represent you on the board: Andrew Nelms, student trustee.

You would think a guy who served as Student Association senate speaker would be at least slightly in touch with NIU students.

But Nelms seems more interested in making connections with the NIU administration than representing his fellow students.

Nelms voiced his approval of the increase in a Northern Star article Friday, saying the increase was necessary. Whether another increase was needed or not, it’s not as if the administration had to twist Nelms’ arm to get him to sign on to the increase.

Nelms isn’t fighting for students. Based on his voting record, it seems he’s a “yes-man” for the administration, working for letters of recommendation.

On top of student fees, Nelms voted in favor of a 13 percent increase in room costs, which equates to almost $300 more out of pocket for students living in the dorms.

Have NIU insurance? You can thank Nelms for this year’s seven percent increase.

Angry? You should be. Your voice on the Board of Trustees had no qualms with you paying more money to get your degree.

If you are angry about it, let Nelms know. Swing by his office at Suite 180 in the Campus Life Building or give him a call at 815-753-0483.

Maybe Nelms would like to hear how NIU students feel about his representation.

And if you’re at all like us, you’re not too pleased with his record.