The Arizona university system is one step closer to adopting a bold new plan that could potentially present the most dramatic changes in decades.
For years, ASU, the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University have been treated as equals by their governing body, the Arizona Board of Regents, and were mandated to use the same admission standards, tuition rates and pay scales.
In recent years, the universities thought it was time to break away from the old system.
Working over the past several months, ASU President Michael Crow, UA President Peter Likins and NAU President John Haeger have developed the "Changing Directions" plan in attempt to build the universities distinctly different identities.
At a Thursday meeting with the Regents, the presidents presented the progress they had made since the last meeting in November.
Details on how to deal with the universities' dire financial situation took center stage at the meeting held in Tucson at UA's student union. The three universities all agreed they wanted to raise tuition, though they proposed hikes of varying amounts (see chart, page 2).
ASU expects to collect the largest revenue increase from the tuition hike of $35.6 million. UA expects the hike to generate $28 million in revenue increase, while NAU expects $14.3 million.
In response to criticism about the tuition increase, Haeger defended the plan that education needs to be viewed as more of an investment than a cost; therefore, students should be prepared to pay more for a better quality education.
"Education is the best investment any student can make," Haeger said.
Though acknowledging not all students can afford to front such a hefty "investment," the three presidents solidified a plan to uniformly increase financial aid. Currently, ASU contributes 8 percent of money generated by tuition to financial aid in the form of tuition waivers and cash grants. UA contributes 8 percent and NAU contributes 9 percent. All three universities propose to contribute 14 percent should they be allowed to raise their tuitions as they please.
Regardless, Regent president Jack Jewett acknowledged that despite good intentions, there would be some bumps along the road to better universities.
"We are going through a very painful process," Jewett said. "Lives are going to be changed, careers are going to be changed... but we have to keep our eyes on the prize."
Talks will continue through tomorrow and tuition will be set on March 6.
Ben Honingford contributed to this story.
Reach the reporters at Benjamin.honingford@asu.edu or Jessica.wanke@asu.edu.
