Regents' battle delays Sierra Vista changes

Arizona Daily Wildcat Judy Gignac

The branch campus had asked to change its name and mission statement, but the Regents denied the request after a two-day battle over the campus' curriculum and its right to expand into neighboring rural communities.

The campus already offers classes in Douglas through "distance learning," using computers and satellite technology and has been considering similar ventures in Benson and Nogales.

Randall Groth, the branch campus' dean, told the board the request was to prepare Sierra Vista for its attempt at independent accreditation, a process the Regents gave the go-ahead for last month.

He said although the mission statement and name, which would change to University of Arizona Southern Campus, is necessary at some point for accreditation, a halt at this point would not delay the process.

The campus is seeking accreditation as a four-year institution from The North Central Association's Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

"We're looking ahead," Groth said. "But it (accreditation) is a year-long process."

The Regents will postpone discussion of the request until their October and December meetings in order to clarify Sierra Vista's right to use distance learning programs and expand into surrounding communities.

Thursday, the Regents nearly halted the fiscal year 1999 State Operating Budget Request after debating whether Sierra Vista or Northern Arizona University should service surrounding southeast communities.

The UA requested $343,500 from the state to link Sierra Vista to the main campus via a video/teleconferencing system.

"I don't want to put something forward today that will fail," said Regent Judy Gignac, who suggested Sierra Vista's future should be decided after UA President-elect Peter Likins tours the campus Oct. 3.

Regent John Munger said he supports Sierra Vista, but is concerned with distance learning issues.

"This (the revised mission statement) just says 'go do distance learning,'" Munger said. "We frankly don't have a grip on what we're doing. I want to get a grip."

Munger said the Regents need to consider three issues:

Geographic location - the board should find out whether the communities in the southeast would prefer working with Sierra Vista or NAU.

Technology concerns - the board should decide how technology should be delivered to the rural areas.

Placement of personnel - the board should consider which employees should be working in the area and where they should be stationed.

Addressing Munger's confusion, Regent Kurt Davis told Groth and the board the universities are doing what they are supposed to be doing - working in the community.

Gignac said it is not a matter of choice, but a matter of enhancing collaboration between the universities.