AIC staff, students adjust to new home

"I think it's a good location for us," said liberal studies junior Monica Holmer. "It is nice being closer to UA students and facilities. I think it (the move) will attract more students."

Emily Vondrak, also a liberal studies junior, agreed.

"The move was hectic but it worked," AIC's Vice Dean David Gnage said. "The transition was pretty smooth."

Planning for the move began in October, and relocation from the UA's Science and Technology Park southeast of the main campus took place in July. The college also changed its name from Arizona International Campus.

AIC administrators are beginning to plan for the college's future, Gnage said.

He said AIC will remain in its current location for an incubation period of about three-to five years, while possibly adding new buildings. After that time, a decision will be made as to whether the school will be a college of the UA or an independent institution.

"The ultimate goal is to be independent," Gnage said.

Since before opening in fall 1996, AIC has faced criticism from UA faculty members, the state Legislature and taxpayers, some of whom said the small school was a waste of funds.

After the Arizona Board of Regents approved a $950,000 loan to the school last October, about 25 UA faculty members signed a petition asking the regents to close AIC.

Opponents said the school was created without seeking their opinions or approval, and that Celestino Fernandez, former AIC provost, was unqualified and chosen without a competitive search. This summer, Paul Rosenblatt, former UA executive director of international affairs, was selected as the new dean after Fernandez stepped down.

Controversy aside, AIC was designed in part to offer Arizona students the opportunity to attend a small, liberal arts college. The school is tiny, with about 150 students.

Undeclared junior Rudy Valles said the small size is exactly what attracted him to AIC.

"I was impressed by the size of it," Valles said. "Classes are small, and teachers are more approachable than at big schools."

Valles said he preferred the old AIC campus, near the intersection of Interstate 10 and South Rita Road, adding that he misses former perks like free parking and larger classrooms.

"I really liked the campus over there," he said. "We had our own community there."

Vondrak said some of AIC's best features haven't changed.

"Faculty members are really available," she said. "They don't have exact office hours, but their doors are always open."

Undeclared freshman Ashley Bidegain said that so far, he enjoys both the size and the atmosphere of AIC.

"It has a lot of potential to be one of the main liberal arts schools in the country," he said. "It is nice to be a part of the foundation of a school."

Gnage said AIC's enrollment has risen from the original class of 43 students, and should continue to do so. Admissions officers have been actively recruiting, he said.

"The overall tone is upbeat and positive," Gnage said.

For now, students are making the best of the new location and related changes.

"I'm getting used to it," Valles said.

Kate Goff can be reached via e-mail at Kate.Goff@wildcat.arizona.edu.