They say that imitation is the highest form of flattery, but sometimes we’d prefer the rest of the UW System to save their flattery in favor of good old-fashioned practicality. As UW-Eau Claire and UW-La Crosse sweep through their versions of the Madison Initiative for Undergraduates, we’re sure that Chancellor Biddy Martin is flattered, cookies and all. But us, well, we’re a little nervous.

As MIU was presented to the public last year, this editorial board supported the plan. It was logical: students could pitch in with a tuition increase in order to spiff up the shabbier parts of academic life. To lighten the burden, some of the new funds would bolster financial aid.

But the plan that makes the most sense for Madison won’t necessarily be the best for La Crosse or Eau Claire. The more specialized, focused and affordable institutions are picking up hefty tuition hikes to achieve goals that aren’t their own.

La Crosse is now faced with its third tuition increase beyond normal differentials, and Eau Claire students will be hit with a $1,200 hike, which is even more expensive than MIU. Frankly, this is far too much for student populations to pay for broad, ambitious goals at schools that shouldn’t be reaching in that direction.

This is an ill-advised course for both institutions, imposed by their administrations and the UW System Board of Regents. And worse, students could have told them so (and did). In Eau Claire, 69 percent of the polled student body had some opposition to the original form of the plan. Was anybody listening?

The Student Association at La Crosse is pushing a proposal that would require a student referendum before tuition increases like these are applied, and this board fully backs that plan. While the change itself may be wise or foolish, students should be given the opportunity to fully express their concerns. After all, it’s their pocketbooks in question.