Arizona's university presidents presented a plan to the Arizona Board of Regents on Thursday that would request more adequate funding for the state's three universities.
The universities requested enrollment-growth funding from the state according to a "22-to-one" formula, or enough money to hire one faculty member for every 22 full-time students.
The new formula would give the universities flexibility in defining what a full-time student is, allowing them to fulfill their individual missions under the Changing Directions initiative, said UA President Peter Likins.
Additionally, the presidents would like to institute an incentive program to reward the universities for awarding diplomas.
If the proposal is accepted, the state will set a base year for the number of diplomas each school passes out. In subsequent years, the universities will receive between $1,000 and $4,000 for each additional diploma awarded., depending on degree level and whether the program is in a "high-need" field.
But, if the state approves the new formulas, students will still see future tuition increases, said ASU President Michael Crow.
"Those that think we can make the University great at discount prices - you get a discounted institution," he said.
However, it is important that Arizona help students who cannot afford tuition, Crow added.
Reach the reporter at amanda.keim@asu.edu.
