Despite receiving only 48 applications for its opening class goal of 100 students, officials at the Arizona International Campus of the UA remain unfazed in their belief that the school will be a success.

As of the April 15 deadline, only 48 students had applied to AIC, and of those applications, 35 will be sent acceptance letters, said Mike Celaya, director of enrollment services at AIC.

Administrators now contend that by extending the deadline into the summer, there will be 100 students ready to attend classes when the campus opens this fall, Celaya said.

He said he is happy with the application responses, considering the college has been recruiting for little more than two months.

Celaya said the applications received have, for the most part, come from students who are "outstanding."

Most applicants have at least a 3.0 grade point average and have been very involved in school and community activities, he said.

But Regent Judy Gignac voiced concerns that AIC is moving too quickly and may have a problem fulfilling its expectations.

"Institutions naturally evolve and we haven't let this one evolve. We're doing artificial insemination," Gignac said in an earlier interview.

"I would have much preferred we find space at Pima Community College."

Gus Kyriakakis, a senior at Canyon Del Oro High School who plans to attend AIC in the fall, has no hesitation about the potential problems the campus faces.

"I had decided to settle for the University of Arizona, but then I found out about AIC," he said.

Kyriakakis said the expected teacher-to-student ratio is a bonus.

AIC expects to have seven faculty members with a primary teaching focus, but four administrators will also be teaching classes, Celaya said.

Faculty members have been selected, but it will be a few weeks until they are confirmed, Celaya said.

Kyriakakis said getting to and from the campus at Interstate 10 and South Rita Road will not be a problem for him.

"The highway drive is better to me than trying to find a parking space," Kyriakakis said.

He will be living at home in north Tucson and commuting to school each day.

Nancy Evans, a counselor at Ampitheater High School, said, "People are too anxiety-ridden about going away anyway to be going to a school that doesn't exist yet."

But Kyriakakis said that the chance to be "first" and establish traditions was one of the best parts about attending AIC.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience," Kyriakakis said. "We'll be starting new traditions and be the first graduating class."

Celaya said that the AIC faculty and students will be working with UA Dean of Students Melissa Vito to establish an effective student government at AIC.

Kyriakakis said he is optimistic about attending AIC.

"I'm making the best decision - I'm really lucky to be getting this opportunity," he said.