By
Eric Swedlund
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Distance learning, Prop. 301 funds head upcoming agenda
PHOENIX - Top priorities for the Arizona Board of Regents include deciding on distribution of Proposition 301 funds, establishing a system-wide whistle-blower policy and furthering discussion regarding the Regents University, an official said yesterday.
ABOR Executive Director Linda Blessing addressed the state Senate Education Committee yesterday to outline the board's upcoming issues. With about 105,000 students between the state's three public universities - the University of Arizona, Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University - the governing board is faced with new challenges.
At next week's meeting at ASU in Tempe, the regents will hold a study session to discuss the Arizona Regents University, which is now a Web site listing of distance learning courses offered throughout the system.
The board is "absolutely intending it to be a collaboration mechanism," Blessing said.
The distribution of Proposition 301 money - 12 percent of an estimated $459 million to be raised through a 0.6 percent sales tax passed by voters in November - will also be a major issue upcoming for the regents.
Earmarked for advancing technology education, the board is allowed a degree of creativity concerning how to use the funds.
Built into the proposition are performance measures to assure accountability, Blessing said.
The board will also be considering a new whistle-blower policy to correct
inconsistencies with the current method of handling such situations. Specifically for the UA, Blessing said budget priorities include salaries for faculty and staff and building renewal.
Blessing also emphasized continuing improvement of communication and coordination efforts between the state's universities and community colleges.
Sen. Linda Aguirre, D-Phoenix, commended the coordination efforts, saying they yield "more effective and better educational results."
ABOR lobbyist Matt Ortega said there are few concerns regarding the Legislature attempting to micromanage the regents, which was an issue during last year's session. Former Rep. Jean McGrath, R-Glendale, introduced several bills that would have exercised legislative control over the universities.
The most controversial among McGrath's proposals - none of which passed through the House of Representatives - would have banned opposite-sex visitors from dorm rooms.
"It is a brand new legislature in a lot of ways," Ortega said. "So far, we've only seen good will."
