Regents talk tuition today with students

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat Judy Gignac Board of Regents President

But the Arizona Student Association, a lobbying group, plans to take that figure to task by recommending a tuition hike half as big.

"ASA, the joint board of the universities, has come in to say we are recommending a 2.8 percent increase," said Tara Taylor, Associated Students president.

The regents are holding an interactive teleconference at 5 p.m. in Harvill Room 211 for students and parents to voice their opinions on school-funding issues. They will talk with students at the University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University and other branch campuses.

Board President Judy Gignac said she is unaware of any regent support for a rate larger than last year's 5 percent increase.

"I don't see anything over what we did last year - 5 percent - and possibly even less," Gignac said. "There is no desire, that I have been able to detect, to increase it more."

This academic year, Arizona residents attending any of the three state universities paid $2,162. Out of state students attending UA and ASU shelled out $9,114 and those at NAU forked over $8,076.

Taylor said ASA based its recommended increase on the Consumer Price Index - the inflation rate - and added another percentage point for "some growth."

An increase of "1.8 percent is not realistic," Taylor said.

The regents will take the views of students, parents and the university presidents into account when they make a final decision at their next meeting Nov. 20 at ASU.

UA President Peter Likins said Tuesday he does not know what he will recommend, but said a request for additional financial aid will accompany any suggested tuition increase.

"I am still in the process of determining what is appropriate to recommend for tuition and financial aid," Likins said. "What is important to me is that when we increase tuition, we increase financial aid."

Financial aid needs to be available for all costs accrued during college - not just for tuition, Likins said.

"Families who are fixing their budgets are not focused on tuition, but what it will cost to send their child to the university," Likins said referring to the cost of books, rent, food, transportation and other miscellaneous expenses.

"Those minus financial aid - that is the figure that really matters," Likins said.

Anthony C. Braza can be reached via e-mail at Anthony.C.Braza@wildcat.arizona.edu.