ABOR retains AIMS scholarships, will revisit issue in April

The Arizona Board of Regents today voted to retain the Regents High Honors Endorsement Scholarships, or AIMS scholarships, but will revisit the issue in April.

The regents directed the three university presidents to develop options for AIMS scholarships that will be presented to ABOR's Academic Affairs Committee in April.

NAU President John Haeger voiced his intention to continue an AIMS-like scholarship should the regents ultimately decide to discontinue the scholarship.

"One of the most intractable problems we've had at the university is retention," Haeger said, noting that 2007 data indicates an 86.6 percent retention rate for AIMS students at NAU. Additionally, he said, "These are Arizona students."

Arizona State University had submitted a request to the regents to discontinue the AIMS scholarships beginning in fall 2010, noting that it will continue to provide access to all qualified students from Arizona high schools. The scholarships provide full tuition at the rate of the first year of attendance for high school students showing outstanding academic performance in high school courses and on AIMS test scores.

A total of $27.6 million in AIMS scholarships is funded by Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University and the University of Arizona to more than 5,500 students. NAU offers about $4.8 million in AIMS scholarships to 988 enrolled students.

Regent Tom Horne, who is the state superintendent of public instruction and administers the AIMS program, noted that five-sixths of the cost of AIMS scholarships would be supported by other means at ASU, netting a cost savings to the university of one-sixth of the dollars. The true loss of the program, he said, would be the incentive to high school students to succeed.

"I believe if there are cuts to be made, this is not the area to be cut," said Regent Ernest Calderón. "When you take away someone's hope, I think that's one of the cruelest things that could happen."

Regent Fred DuVal acknowledged the importance of the AIMS scholarships, but said the universities are faced with difficult budget decisions. "We've made a lot of aspirational commitments because that's the business we were in six months ago (prior to significant budget cuts)," he said. "We can't honor all the commitments we've made."

Regent Dennis DeConcini noted, "We may have to go to our constituents and say 'Sorry,' but somebody's not funding us, and we have to do something."

Calderón proposed an amendment to the motion to protect high school sophomores, junior and seniors who already are in the "pipeline" by virtue of having taken the AIMS test to ensure their receipt of the scholarships.

The amendment failed, as other regents noted the original motion retained the AIMS scholarship as is while other options are discussed.

In other action, the regents approved 2009-10 residence hall rates for the three universities as well as meal plan rates for NAU and ASU.

"At Northern Arizona University, the focus is on access, affordability and predictability," said David Bousquet, NAU vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs.

Bousquet said the university addressed the issue of access with 800 additional residence hall rooms made available through McKay Village and Aspen Crossing Learning Community. The university offers predictability with a two-year housing rate guarantee for freshmen and a two-year guarantee on meal plans, according to Bousquet. He said the university ensures affordability with the lowest housing costs in the Arizona University System.

Regent Anne Mariucci had sought to remove the guaranteed pricing components for new students. She indicated she didn't support guaranteed pricing plans unless they covered all costs.

Bousquet noted that dining and residence halls are self-supporting and contribute to the university in terms of overhead. He also told the regents that parents appreciate knowing the rates for two years out.

The regents approved NAU's request to set 2009-10 residence hall and family apartment rates for an average increase of 11.96 percent and 11.09 percent, respectively. The regents also approved NAU's request to increase meal plan rates by 8.5 percent for new freshman meal plans, which would be guaranteed for two years.