Thank you for your reply @Umenohana! I just know of the current student so it's hard for me to ask, but he had asked via email to the same director. He's a citizen and I'm an international student... not sure if that makes any difference? The finance office told me that they don't give "assistance" to the international students but the fellowship is given by the program department, which I already received a little and is what I'm trying to negotiate on. I directly asked for "increase in the fellowship" so I don't know how the director might have misunderstood it? Also, I meant the department when I say the "program".
I'm trying to follow up with the director now and it's hard to make it not sound like I'm not accusing him... anyone have any suggestions as to how I should go about it?