By
Eric Swedlund
Arizona Daily Wildcat
PHOENIX - A proposal that could allow senior citizens to take free university classes without earning credit was unanimously approved by a Senate panel yesterday.
Senate Bill 1433 would require the Arizona Board of Regents to conduct a feasibility study examining ways to allow Arizona residents age 65 or older to enroll in courses, without having to pay tuition or receive credit. Enrollment would only be allowed if classroom space permitted it.
Sen. Jay Blanchard, D-Gilbert, proposed the bill because he said the state should "commit to lifelong learning" and offer educational opportunities to senior citizens.
Also, by sitting together in classrooms, "senior citizens could help young folks better understand the world they are about to enter," Blanchard said.
Blanchard added that many of the state's older residents moved here from other states and have little connection with Arizona, and this bill would allow them a greater opportunity to learn about the state and provide an opportunity to continue learning.
The regents estimate that 300 undergraduate students over the age of 60 are currently enrolled in courses at the University of Arizona.
Sen. Mary Hartley, D-Phoenix, proposed an amendment that would require ABOR to submit copies of the study to the presidents of the UA, Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University.
PHOENIX - Information science and technology programs at the UA could see an $8.8 million boost from state lawmakers.
Senate Bill 1416, which passed the Education Committee 7-1 yesterday, would give the UA $4.4 million in both of the next two years for additional computer resources and staff.
"We have been using grant funds and other temporary dollars to provide equipment and deal with it," UA lobbyist Greg Fahey said. "Those temporary dollars are stretched to the point that they just don't work anymore."
The additional funds would primarily go to replacing outdated computer equipment in student labs, new staff for computer and technology needs, and updated equipment for interactive lectures.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Pete Rios, D-Hayden, now faces a hearing in the Senate Appropriations Committee and moves to the full Senate if approved.
