Regents upset over proposed community college legislation

After a heated discussion, the regents decided the idea would create unnecessary bureaucracy and competition for public money.

"This foolish endeavor to create a public bloodbath over public dollars needs to stop," Regent Kurt Davis said during the first day of the board's two-day meeting at Northern Arizona University's Yuma campus. "I think it is time to make the message clear."

Under the proposal sponsored by Sen. Carol Springer, R-Prescott, the new system would be overseen by a separate higher education board. The state Board of Directors of Community Colleges currently governs the two-year schools and the regents oversee the state's three universities.

Last year, a similar bill considered by the Legislature would have examined ways to expand the community college's role in providing upper-division and baccalaureate education.

That bill, which the regents opposed, survived the House and Senate but was vetoed by then-Gov. Fife Symington.

Regents John Munger and Don Ulrich vowed to make sure this year's proposal is defeated before it reaches the governor's hands.

"I really believe we must move rapidly to send the message to the Legislature and to the governor that this is something we are adamant about," Munger said. "My message is let's quit talking. Let's get going."

Ulrich went as far as to suggest a "full-scale attack" on the issue by helping lobbyists to better understand potential consequences of the plan.

Regent Judy Gignac, however, said such an attack was premature and would be "almost throwing down a gauntlet."

She said she would like to see the actual legislation before opposing it.

"The last time we waited - we got finessed badly," Ulrich said, urging the board to take a position before it is too late.

He said the regents may not have as much influence on the proposal if they wait until their next meeting in February to continue discussion.

"If we don't take a position, our lobbyists will be hamstrung,"Munger said.

The board voted to let the public, lobbyists and legislators know it opposes the legislation and any bill that restructures the state higher education system. The regents proposal also said the board does support collaboration with the community college system.

Lisa Graham Keegan, the state's superintendent of public instruction and ex-officio board member, was the only regent opposed to the motion. Regent Eddie Basha did not attend the meeting.

Keegan said competition between community colleges and the universities could be good for Arizona's university system.

She also said the board's opposition to the legislation could be seen as a "turf battle" for money between the community colleges and universities.

In other business:

The board unanimously approved the UA's University Animal Care Heating and Ventilation Project, which will help retain its animal care program accreditation.

The program provides animal care for clinical and diagnostic medicine, and advisory and training services for all colleges and departments that utilize animals.

The $1.53 million project will fix humidity control, room pressurization, exhaust systems and general air flow deficiencies.

The board gave the UA permission to purchase the Beal Center, at 1030 N. Mountain Ave., from the University of Arizona Foundation for $400,000.

The property will be turned into office space and will provide about 39 additional parking spots.

Regent Hank Amos voted against the deal because he said the UA Foundation should give the property to the UA free of charge.

The UA's Sierra Vista campus moved one step closer to separate accreditation Friday when the regents approved a revised mission statement.

After questioning the branch campus' need for accreditation and its future relations with the main campus, the board decided to add to the statement that UASV will primarily serve Cochise County and that it will remain a branch campus of the UA.