By Amanda Hunt
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Some California residents will be able to pay in-state tuition next year, following the approval of a short-term agreement by the Arizona Board of Regents.
This and several other items were addressed at the March 10 regents meeting.
Regents approved a temporary revision to board policy allowing California residents within 75 miles of the Arizona border to pay in-state tuition. The one-year agreement applies to California residents near the Yuma area. The program will apply to about 6 or 7 students in that area, who are interested in studying at Arizona schools.
Regent John Munger suggested that the agreement be adopted temporarily to encourage other types of educational exchange programs.
Regent Hank Amos agreed with Munger.
"Arizona doesn't have a reciprocal exchange program with California ... we owe breaks to our taxpayers," he said.
Regent Andy Hurwitz said that there are "empty seats in the classroom," and adding more students even at in-state tuition prices "gives us money." He said it will benefit Arizona schools in the short-term, but was concerned about setting a precedent for other areas outside Arizona's borders in the future.
Regent Rudy Campbell was concerned that there would be an influx of people from Los Angeles moving to that area to be included in the program. "It's a simple move to Yuma from L.A.," he said.
In other business:
ù Regents approved the authorization for the UA to purchase three properties north of campus.
Joel Valdez, UA vice president of business affairs, said the university cannot "build out much more" and added that there have been problems in the surrounding neighborhoods. But he said that expansion is necessary and will continue with the board's approval.
Munger opposed proposals for Arizona universities to buy more property because he said he has "a problem with (schools) continuing building at the state's expense."
ù Regents approved a revision of board policy on the amount of money allotted for public art in construction projects. One percent of construction costs, which normally makes up about three quarters of the total building cost, will be set aside for public art.
Munger said this would encourage more student art in university construction projects.
ù The board deferred a presentation concerning changes in academic programs until the April 27 and 28 meeting. Changes in the UA's physical education, journalism and statistics programs will be discussed at that time.