UAFAA Resolution 05-01A

 

Supporting Continuation of the UA Senior Tuition Waiver

 

Whereas: The University of Alaska established a program to provide tuition waivers for seniors 60 years of age or older who register on a space available basis; that

is, when courses can accommodate such students in addition to all tuition-paying students;

 

Whereas: Seniors 60 or older who receive this tuition waiver still pay all incidental costs for their classes including books, lab, student government/activity, and parking fees;

 

Whereas: The presence of seniors in University of Alaska classes is a significant benefit to younger students because of the life experience and often different world view that seniors have compared to younger students;

 

Whereas: The waiver program is similar to those used at other universities in Montana, Utah, Florida, Texas, Wisconsin and several other states;

 

Whereas: The University of Alaska major academic units are striving to enhance their fundraising capabilities, with seniors leading the demographic group most likely to donate to the institutions; and

 

Whereas: Relatively little fiscal analysis has been done that would allow a cost-benefit analysis of this proposal to discontinue the senior tuition waiver;

such an analysis would take into account at least the inelasticity of the demand for courses under this program, the lost fee revenues, and, perhaps most significantly, the potential to lose major donations to the institution as a result of this policy change; then

 

Therefore Be It Resolved: That the University of Alaska Fairbanks Alumni Association supports continuation of the senior tuition waiver, and recommends the University Statewide Administration look at alternative measures to reduce the supposed cost impacts of the program; and

 

Further Be It resolved: That a copy of this resolution be sent to UA President Hamilton, the UA Board of Regents, UAF Chancellor Steve Jones, the UA faculty, staff and student governance organizations, and Alaska AARP.

 

 

Passed this 29th day of July, 2005 by a vote of 5 Yeas and 1 Nays with amendments.

 

 

Attest: _________________________________John N Davies, President UAFAA

 

 

Attest: _________________________________ Joe L. Hayes, Executive Director UAFAA