Board to discuss tuition waiver for spouses, kids

The children and spouses of Arizona military personnel killed in battle might not have to pay undergraduate tuition, under a proposal the Arizona Board of Regents will discuss this week.

A UA spokeswoman characterized the proposal as a goodwill gesture that would have minimal financial impact on the state's universities.

Officials said, however, they aren't aware of anyone slain in Iraq with children or spouses at UA, ASU or NAU.

"At this particular moment, it may have no impact at all," UA spokeswoman Sharon Kha said.

The proposal, which has won the support of President Pete Likins, would apply to children under 30 years old and spouses who haven't remarried, as well as severely disabled combat survivors.

The proposal was prompted by an order from Democratic Gov. Janet Napolitano, who asked state agencies to make sure the children of killed or disabled members of the military would be accommodated after their loss.

For the universities, that means aiding these family members who might struggle to pay university tuition.

"Obviously that's a source of financial contribution that wouldn't be available anymore," said Matt Ortega, a spokesman for the Board of Regents.

To qualify for the free tuition, students would also have to meet regular admission requirements, have their eligibility verified by the federal or state government, accumulate no more than 144 credits and maintain a satisfactory academic performance record.

The proposal is an extension of a state policy that grants tuition waivers to children and spouses of slain Arizona police officers, firefighters and paramedics.

"It seems we could do no less for the children of those slain in battle than we could for the sons and daughters of slain peace officers," Kha said.

Regents will consider the proposal at their meeting Thursday, in the Student Union Memorial Center.