After the recent tuition increase, some UA administrators are debating whether to ask students to dip further into their pocketbooks to support the university's technology needs.

A technology fee could be used for computer labs, in-classroom technologies such as projectors, and support staff, said Barbara Hoffman, co-director of the Center for Computing and Information Technology.

The fee, which is still in the early stages of consideration, would help compensate for recent budget cuts. Those cuts forced spending reductions across the UA, including the delayed and scaled-back opening of the Integrated Learning Center's multimedia facilities.

Some members of the finance committee, which is composed of many of the UA's top officials, think the fee is necessary to compete with other universities.

As stated in a finance committee document obtained by the Wildcat, "Without such funding, the UA cannot compete with its peers nor achieve its vision Îto be a preeminent, student-centered research university.'"

Approximately 67 percent of all public colleges and universities have implemented a technology fee, ranging from $45 to $422, according to a report published in 2002 by Educause, a nonprofit organization that focuses on higher education technology.

Before a decision is made, President Peter Likins requested an analysis of what the fee would entail and how much it would cost each student, Hoffman said.

"I don't believe that (Likins) is specifically in favor of the technology fee, but he wants to know more," Hoffman said.

Likins was unavailable for comment.

No direct technology fees have been implemented in the past and a separate technology fee is unlikely, said Richard Kroc, director of assessment and enrollment research and a staff member on the finance committee.

"There was a strong sentiment · that we ought not to have fees for every student," Kroc said. "Instead, if we need more money for technology, we would get it from a general raise in tuition."

Before any decision is made, student sentiment will be considered, Hoffman said.

"I think that keeping technology updated in the classroom is very important for students," student body President J.P. Benedict said. "I have yet to decide if the fee should be applied, but it is important that students can come to campus to get their studies done."