We are all major players when it comes to tuition

We are all major players when it comes to tuition

I was involved in an enlightening exercise at the 1997 Legislative Conference last Thursday, sponsored by the Arizona Students' Association. In one of the many workshops offered, the tuition workshop sported an interactive exercise that allowed the students to cast themselves as one of the players in the tuition-setting process. The roles were a university president, one of the board of regents, a faculty member, a parent, and of course, a student. Each had the task of discussing the pros and cons of tuition increases from their own personal and professional perspectives, assuming they decided there should be an increase. This theater of sorts gave the actors an opportunity to realize the importance of participating in the budget and tuition-setting process.

My group included students from all three universities and one of the branch campuses. What was interesting about this group was the background of the students who participated in the role-play. One student was attending completely on scholarship and waivers. Others were non-traditional students, so family obligations required that they attend classes mostly at night, making their needs far different from the regular daytime students. And as an out-of-state graduate student, my perspective also differed from most other students'.

As a regent, the maintenance and operation of the university system statewide, was a priority, in addition to making the Arizona university system affordable for resident students and simultaneously attractive to potential out-of-state students.

The others did not hesitate to chime in and remind me that there is more to a university than money. The student and the parent were concerned that the quest for prestige could cost them a good education. They both understood that premiere universities cost money and were willing to pay - to a point. Once costs become prohibitive, their options are severely limited. Students want to attend the campus of their choice, an institution where they can gather cherishable college memories. But also at the top of their list are services and access. Students need books, complete library services and access, financial aid, comfortable and safe places to study, reliable food services, and the ever-important administrative services. Parents want these same services to be provided, but would become frustrated with constant fees and additional costs to basic tuition.

Faculty members want pay commensurate with peers at other institutions. From their point of view, it is the university's responsibility to provide competitive salaries, even if raising tuition is part of what it takes to get there. At the same time, faculty want autonomy, both as instructors and as researchers. Instructors are on the front line, they furnish the education that tuition is paying for; however, great research brings notoriety to the university, and that in turn, brings in research dollars. Faculty want a balance, and how the university's budget and tuition income affect that balance is of great concern.

The university presidents share some the same concerns as faculty. They too want glory for their universities, but that is created both by a good undergraduate reputation (majors, curriculum, services and cost), and attractive graduate research opportunities. They have the task of making their universities appealing to students (both in and out of state), faculty (supporting those who are here and enticing others to come), the board of regents (programs and services that deserve to be funded).

We haggled for more than 45 minutes and came to respect one another's circumstances. No one has the answer, but the only way to arrive at an acceptable solution was to sit down and discuss all the options. At that moment, it was apparent to all of us that the budget and tuition setting process must involve everyone. If even one person is absent, the perspective of the group can be swayed, and the needs of a constituent would be overlooked. The bottom line is that participation in the budget and tuition-setting process is mandatory. It is just like the lottery -- you have to play to win.

On behalf of the delegations and students at the University of Arizona, I would like to thank the entire staff at the central office of the Arizona Students' Association for all their efforts in showcasing the 1997 Legislative Conference. The enthusiasm of the students and legislators who shared their experiences at the conference is a declaration of the hard work and thoughtfulness required for a successful event. To the public affairs director, the business affairs director, and the executive director - good job.

David H. Benton is a third year law student and sits on the Cabinet of the ASUA president. He is a board member of the Arizona Students' Association and is still in awe of the central office staff. His column, 'Another Perspective,' runs every Tuesday.

By David H. Benton (columnist)
Arizona Daily Wildcat
March 4, 1997