ASU student close to approval for regent post

John Platt, a law student at ASU, was approved by the state Senate Education Committee for the student regent post. Students from the University of Arizona, ASU and Northern Arizona University rotate representation in year-long terms.

Jonathan Schmitt, a UA agriculture senior, currently holds the position.

Platt told the committee yesterday that as the student regent he would focus on the efficiency of the universities.

He said students entering the universities from high schools and community colleges are not prepared for the demands of university learning. He also said graduates are not prepared for the demands of the working world.

"A lot of time is lost in the university experience," Platt said.

Platt said that as a student regent he wants to ensure that students get a quality education at a reasonable price.

The committee approved Platt's nomination 6-0, with Sen. Rusty Bowers, R-Mesa, absent. Platt's nomination now moves to the entire Senate.

Platt reiterated his belief in efficiency after the committee's meeting and said the key to optimal professor-classroom time was the good use of time.

"The majority of the professors are doing a very good job and working very hard," Platt said. He said, however, that he would examine the issue because some people have argued that professors do not spend enough time teaching.

Platt said he thinks "smooth" communication between the Legislature and the regents is important.

"It's the Legislature's responsiblity to appropriate the amount of money that will be spent and then it's the boards decision ... to allocate the money in a fair manner," Platt said.

Platt said university tuition in Arizona is reasonable, but he did not know what impact legislation to raise law school tuition would have.

When asked about affirmative action, Platt said he did not like programs that discriminated against anyone.

"If private organizations want to further certain causes, that is a different matter. But for government institutions to discriminate against anybody, that seems wrong to me," Platt said.