The livelihood of a UA degree that avoided elimination last year may depend whether or not the Arizona Board of Regents approves a program fee tomorrow, which administrators call "key to the program's very survival."

Nearly 28 months after being placed on the academic chopping block because of the 2003 Focused Excellence initiative, the Planning Degree Program is facing a $700 fee for part-time planning students and a $1,400 for full-time planning students. [Read article]

Three weeks after a UA student alleged she was raped at a fraternity house, students are left wondering whether or not police are handling the investigation in a timely manner.

Unanswered questions and a lack of suspects have not helped diminish concerns.

The University of Arizona Police Department is insisting the investigation is still underway and student safety is their top concern, said Sgt. Eugene Mejia, UAPD spokesman. [Read article]

The UA Main Library and the Manuel T. Pacheco Integrated Learning Center offer plenty of resources for the general public, and library officials are working to help handle the load of resources as well as make the area a safer place.

A library survey taken in February was released last week and a team is working to better cater to the needs of library users.

Marianne Bracke, assistant librarian in the science library, was the leader of a team dedicated to "finding information in a new landscape." [Read article]

Colors of red, white and blue will adorn Old Main when UA devotees exchange their vows at the end of the month.

David Friedman, an East Asian and Middle Eastern studies junior, and Vanessa Stedronsky, a science education senior, will take the plunge May 21 in front of 250 guests.

Stedronsky said the wedding is entirely UA themed and will take place in front of the Old Main fountain.

"It's gonna be really fun," Stedronsky said. " Our colors are red, white and blue. Our bridesmaids are wearing blue tops and red bottoms, and all the guys are gonna be in red ties and vests." [Read article]

The UA could consolidate its summer session building usage by 2006 from 225 to 15, a plan meant to save energy, cut utility costs and possibly lessen summer session surcharges, administrators said.

Al Tarcola, facilities management director, said the average summer session population of more than 30,000 faculty and students could fit into 10 to 15 campus buildings instead of being spread out around campus. [Read article]

On the lawn in front of Old Main, students have the opportunity to view a new exhibit this week that places a realistic twist on the harsh reality of war and its effects on the lives of innocent civilians.

The American, Afghan and Iraqi Children's Memorial is designed to help remember the children who have perished in the ongoing conflicts within the three nations.

Dale Clark, the artist behind the memorial, said he has been trying to raise awareness about what the war is doing to so many people in so many places. His biggest concern is how the most vulnerable victims are those who do not engage in the conflict voluntarily. [Read article]

A failed attempt to auction off the Marana Agricultural Center won't budge the UA's asking price on the "experimental farm," said university faculty.

An April 6 auction of the 205-acre parcel 28 miles north of campus failed to yield any bidders. The land was appraised at $10.3 million but the bidding started at $16 million, said Joel Valdez, budget director for the university.

Valdez said the land is being sold for nearly $6 million more than it is apparently worth because he thinks the selling price for the land is "realistic." [Read article]

Although students may not realize it, every time they walk across campus they pass by many people who are seriously mentally ill.

The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill in conjunction with the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Southern Arizona offered a free presentation last night to shatter stereotypes and increase awareness about the true nature of brain.

The presentation, "In Our Own Voice: Living With Mental Illness," featured a video, personal testimonies and discussions about accepting and overcoming mental illness, because more than 5 percent of American adults suffer from a mental disorder. [Read article]

When a child is on a sickbed or seriously injured, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Arizona wants to be there for them and their families.

In conjunction with 97.1 Suave FM radio, the organization is hosting El Dia de los Niños, or "Day of the Child," today to raise money for families in need of housing while their child is in the hospital or recovery.

Subtitled "For the Smile of a Child," the event encourages the community to drive by and celebrate children by making a donation to the Ronald McDonald House, 2230 E. Speedway Blvd. [Read article]