By James D. Schuh
Arizona Daily Wildcat
November 14, 1997

UA should make better use class space

Editor:

Arizona's Auditor General and a Board of Regents Task Force have reported that the three major universities could save $217 million in construction of new buildings annually by scheduling more classes in times when many classrooms and teaching laboratories are under used. The savings for just the University of Arizona is estimated at $96 million.The current indulgence of professors and students reluctant to change from their preferences for teaching or taking classes, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., with fewer classes on Friday, was identified as a major part of the problem.

But UA president Peter Likins said universities do not want to be too "tough" but should "cater to student wishes" or find ways to make unwanted class times more attractive. Hard working taxpayers hitting the pavement everyday, some working two jobs, nights and weekends to support the universities with their taxes, might not agree. Of course, their alternatives do not include the "preference" to do as they please.

University education is for the qualified and dedicated student whose job is to adjust and take required classes when offered. The professor's job is to teach those classes. If there are people in those two groups who remain reluctant to change their ways, perhaps the UA Regents' need new advertising billboards that read: "Tough - Our Way or the Highway."

James D. Schuh
UA Professor Emeritus