"It's not enough to fix all our problems, but that's not what tuition is supposed to do." - Jack Jewett regents' president

Some student leaders back $1000 increase, saying it is necessary for financial well-being of university

A $1,000 tuition hike for in-state undergraduates coupled with larger increases for graduate students and non-residents could net UA nearly $30 million a year, according to data from the Arizona Board of Regents.

If the regents approve the $1,000 increase, along with hikes of $1,250 for out-of-state undergraduates and in-state graduate students and $1,500 for out-of-state graduate students, the university would stand to increase its income by $28 million.

That amount is less than half of the total budget cut UA has sustained in the last two years.

Town Hall The next Town Hall will be held on Feb. 4. Thoughts and concerns can be sent to: focus@email.arizona.edu

"It's not enough to fix all our problems, but that's not what tuition is supposed to do," said regents' President Jack Jewett.

If the board votes in March to approve those increases, along with a proposed increase in the amount of tuition income set aside for financial aid from 8 percent to 14 percent, an additional $5.3 million in need-based aid would also become available, regents' data shows.

With the financial aid increase, students receiving federal Pell Grants would not be held responsible if tuition is raised.

In a meeting with four regents Tuesday night, several student leaders said they support an increase of $1,000 ÷ the number most commonly discussed as a possible in-state undergraduate tuition hike ÷ because it would likely improve UA's financial condition.

"Raising tuition is necessary for the continued survival of the institution," said Associated Students of the University of Arizona Sen. Adam Bronnenkant.

Bronnenkant hopes to graduate this year but said that if tuition is raised by $1,000, he doubts he could afford to attend UA, even if financial aid increases. Still, he said, he would support a tuition hike if university administrators deem it necessary.

"If the regents and president think $1,000 is the best amount, then I put my faith in Dr. Likins," Bronnenkant said.

For Chris Cafiero, the president of Chain Gang Junior Honorary, the need for a large increase set in when he went to upper division classes in his major and saw 50 other people in the classroom. Many of his courses are offered only once per year, leaving him with no scheduling flexibility. Student body president Doug Hartz said many students have E-mailed him because they have been forced to delay graduation.

Hartz, who serves as chief lobbyist for the UA student body, has declined to give details about how much he will propose tuition be raised, but said student lobbyists would not call for a zero percent hike as they did last year.

Student leaders at Tuesday's meeting had not heard many concerns about a possible tuition hike, saying most people they've spoken with agree with the logic behind an increase once they understand the financial benefits.

Chris Molessa, a business administration senior who was last year's Spring Fling director, called a large tuition hike combined with a financial aid increase "in line with what we have to do."

Regent Fred Boice called students' openness to a tuition increase "marvelous," echoing the sentiments of many regents and administrators that an increase would make a university education more affordable.

"(Arizona is the) 50th lowest in tuition and 46th in affordability, so low tuition doesn't make higher education affordable," Boice told the students Tuesday.

Regent Christina Palacios joined Boice in support of a hike, saying she isn't surprised that students are supporting it. Now that budget shortfalls are directly impacting students' lives in the form of classes that are overcrowded or canceled, she believes they are realizing its necessity.

"It's actually happening now," she said.

Likins is required to release his proposal for raising tuition by Monday.

Keren G. Raz contributed to this report.