Don't let history repeat itself.

That was the theme Tuesday when California State University officials discussed ways to ensure future tuition increases follow a more stable pattern.

Trustees considered a new policy that calls for "gradual, moderate and predictable" increases that take into account a student's ability to pay and the increase in per capita income.

But some trustees questioned how that could help students now and in the future when the state budget goes bust.

"It still does not have the basis to solve the problem in a crisis," said trustee Fred Pierce. "We need to come to grips with that reality."

Pierce suggested that the board look at creating a separate rainy-day fund that the system could tap to avoid raising fees when funds run out. .

The trustees plan to take the matter up again in May.

In the meantime, some students say tuition increases and budget cuts have already left them feeling helpless.

Ewelina Nowakowska, a Cal State San Bernardino senior majoring in computer systems, said this past year's fee increase forced her to pick up a second campus job and cut out several social activities.

"I have maxed out on the loan that I can take out," said Nowakowska, 22. "For me, I feel like I have no choice. I have to come back. I have to finish my degree."

Gov. Schwarzenegger has proposed cutting $240 million from the Cal State system's budget, including about $13 million from Cal State San Bernardino.

In addition, the governor has proposed raising undergraduate tuition by 10 percent for Cal State and the University of California.

Under the governor's plan, Cal State tuition would increase to $2,251 per year from the current $2,046 cost.

Cal State San Bernardino officials are expected to unveil a more detailed budget plan later this month.