Comment on DOS-2010-0214-0001

I do not think that the proposed increase to the Application Fee for Sponsor Designation or Redesignation and the Administrative Fee for Exchange Visitor (J-1 Visa Holder) Benefits assessed for providing Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) services is warranted at this time. In my professional experience, the Department of State has not adequately demonstrated best use of the resources that they are currently given: Representatives at the Department have not responded to or taken action on requests submitted electronically through systems that already exist. When representatives conduct outreach to our professional organizations (e.g. NAFSA), they are frequently overstaffed, testy and use poor grammar. This experience does not inspire confidence that our students' tuition money is well spent on supporting the Department of State. Once the Department of State can take quick and effective actions on requests submitted electronically (e.g. add 'Alternate Responsible Officer' in SEVIS, etc), have educated, professional and appropriately numbered representatives conduct public outreach, and hire subcontractors that are competent and efficient to deliver IT services that are needed to fulfill regulatory requirements, they will then earn more financial support from the education sector. Until then, the Department of State should do a better job with the resources it's already provided. Thank you, Douglas M Upton