webrev: 6/2008
STUDENT FEES, RESIDENCY, FINANCIAL AID
4-100 Definitions Used in Setting Tuition and Fees (PDF)
In this article, unless the context otherwise provides or requires:
- “Base tuition” means the amount of tuition set for the ASU-Tempe, NAU-Flagstaff, and UA-Tucson campuses. For resident undergraduates, base tuition is not to exceed the top of the bottom one-third of rates set by all other states for resident undergraduate base tuition and mandatory fees at the senior public universities.
- “Differential tuition” means tuition that deviates from base tuition and applies to all academic programs on a campus or in a college/school. Differential tuition may be established at the graduate or undergraduate level and may be lower than base tuition, or in limited situations, as prescribed in 4-104.C., higher than base tuition.
- “Special program fees” means additional amounts charged to students in select undergraduate and graduate professional degree programs within colleges/schools or departments, including honors colleges.
- “Special class fees” means additional charges for specific classes or courses.
4-101 Authority to Set Tuition and Fees (PDF)
4-102 Nonresident Tuition (PDF)
As required by A.R.S. §15-1803, a person who is not a citizen or legal resident of the United States or who is without lawful immigration status is not entitled to classification as an in-state resident.
4-103 Collection of Fees (PDF)
The universities shall collect at the time of registration, the payment or
promise of payment of only those fees which are required for the proper
operation of the universities and which are subject to the control of and
disbursement by the universities.
Each university shall establish procedures to collect outstanding obligations owed by students and former students.
Each university shall maintain a system to record all delinquent financial obligations owed to that university by students and former students.
Students with delinquent obligations shall not be allowed to register for classes, receive cash refunds or obtain transcripts, diplomas or certificates of degree without university approval. The university may allow students to register for classes if the delinquent obligation is $200 or less. The university will not allow students to obtain transcripts, diplomas or certificate of degree if the delinquent obligation is $25 or more.
Unpaid obligations shall remain a matter of record until students and former students satisfy their financial obligations or until satisfactory arrangements for repayment are made with the university.
The university may write off delinquent financial obligations of students according to accepted accounting principles and after appropriate collection efforts. No such write-off shall operate to relieve the student of liability for the obligation nor shall such write-off entitle the student to release of any transcript, diploma or certificate of degree or to register for further university classes, except as permitted in this policy, until such obligation is actually paid.
Each university shall include this policy in its bulletin or catalog.
4-104 Procedure for Setting and Distributing Tuition and Fees (PDF)
- The Board's decision to establish base tuition and fees shall be based upon a review of the following:
- A report on the average state expenditure authority per full-time equivalent student (SEAPS). The SEAPS shall be computed as follows: The state operating expenditure authority for a given year divided by full-time equivalent students.
- A report on the availability of student financial aid including the sources of student financial aid; the number of students receiving aid by type of aid, the amount of aid awarded by type and by source; the ratio of gift aid to self-help aid, and information about the status of student need including unmet need for various categories of students (e.g., resident undergraduates).
- Other student fees and charges established by each university.
- Revenues required to service bonded indebtedness.
- A report on the price of attendance at each university calculated using a common framework that is consistent with federal guidelines. Student financial assistance offices are to inform students through their financial aid publications of the possibility that additional costs may be included in the calculation of the price of attendance for individual students, and of the availability of an appeals process.
- Except as provided in 4-104.B., any adjustment to resident tuition rates shall be made subject to the limitation that total mandatory undergraduate resident student tuition and fees shall not exceed the amount required to maintain a position at the top of the lower one-third of rates set by all other states for undergraduate resident tuition and mandatory fees at the senior public universities. It is the intention of the Board to reach the top of the lowest one-third (the 34th position) and maintain that position for the foreseeable future. The specific institutions to be included in this calculation will be described in a list approved by the Executive Director.
- For professional graduate degree programs, the Board may establish fee ranges with upper and lower limits, subject to the provisions for disclosure and public hearing described below. Decisions will be based upon a review of the markets for these programs and will be effective for a period of up to three years. At any time during the three-year period, the Board may approve a specific fee within the established fee range.
- The Board shall conduct at least one public interactive hearing on the proposed tuition and fee increases at least one week prior to the Board meeting at which tuition and fees will be determined.
- At least ten days prior to the public hearing, a notice of the date, time and location of the hearing will be published in general circulation newspapers in Maricopa, Coconino and Pima Counties and other publications as determined.
- At least ten days prior to the public hearing, each university will publicly disclose any recommended increases in tuition, university-wide fees and class fees over fifty dollars.
- Final Board action on changes in tuition or fees shall be taken by roll call vote.
- As provided below, universities may request approval of differential tuition or a special program fee at either the undergraduate or graduate level.
- In limited situations as prescribed in this section, the board may approve differential tuition or a special program fee for resident undergraduates that exceeds the top of the lower one-third of rates set by all other states for resident undergraduate base tuition and mandatory fees at the senior public universities.
- Procedure for establishing differential tuition
- Differential tuition may be higher or lower than base tuition and applies to all academic programs on a campus or in a college/school. At the undergraduate level, a higher differential tuition may only apply to professional programs and only be charged to upper division students, beginning in a student’s junior year.
- A university proposing differential tuition must develop a rationale addressing the following criteria. All proposals should address the criteria although not all of the criteria must be met in every single proposal.
(1) The quality of the student experience:
(a) Higher differential tuition should substantially increase the quality of the learning experience for the student and provide a basis for later opportunities that would not be possible without the differential increase.
(b) Lower differential tuition should not reduce the quality of the program or future opportunities for the student in that field.
(2) Access and affordability:
A higher differential tuition plan must allow for access for qualified students who cannot afford the differential amount. Each proposal, whether for a higher or lower differential, must include a financial aid plan with a minimum of 14 percent of the differential tuition set aside for need-based aid. The plan should shall include a college advising process that enables the student to anticipate future cost increases and (if necessary) to seek additional aid to cover the differential amount over base tuition.
(3) College/school/campus cost of instruction:
The differential tuition plan must include a clear justification related to the variance in cost for the college/school/campus compared to the funds that would be provided through base tuition.
(4) Market pricing:
There should be evidence that the differential tuition is comparable to the student cost for similar units at peer institutions so that the college/school or campus is not placed at a disadvantage in attracting the best students and that the differential tuition is appropriate to the market level nationally. The university should address elasticity of demand in its justification. At a minimum, the university shall provide tuition and fee data from each of the senior public universities (to which the board compares base tuition) and which charges differential tuition for a comparable college/school.
(5) Benefits to the entire university
If the differential tuition provides benefits to the university as a whole – and not just to a college/school or campus -- the university shall provide evidence of these benefits.
(6) Student consultation and support:
All differential tuition plans must show evidence of extensive and thorough consultation with the students who would be affected, both via student representative groups and via organized opinion-gathering among the students that would be or are already being charged differential tuition. Although universities have some discretion in meeting this requirement, the board will consider the results of organized student referenda on proposals for differential tuition.
- Lower differential tuition may be charged where costs of delivery are consistently and substantially below average main campus expenses.
- Subject to the criteria in policy 4-104 B.3, higher differential tuition may be charged by colleges/schools that:
(1) Require markedly higher than university average expenditures, especially for faculty and/or equipment, throughout a whole college/school or campus and
(2) Lead to employment possibilities from that entity that give students’ prospects that are demonstrably worth the higher price.
- Before approving a differential tuition request which would be applicable to a resident undergraduate, the board will review the weighted average of all proposed tuition, mandatory fees, differential tuition, and special program fees for resident undergraduates for the ensuing year and consider how it corresponds to the top of the lower one-third of rates set by all other states for resident undergraduate base tuition and mandatory fees at the senior public universities.
- Differential tuition will be administered as one total sum out of which the standard deductions for the qualified tuition reduction program and need-based financial aid will be subtracted in the same way these are deducted from base tuition at each university.
- Procedure for establishing special program fees
- Special program fees are additional amounts charged to students in select undergraduate and graduate professional degree programs within colleges/schools or departments, including honors colleges, that have demonstrably higher costs of delivery overall because of special equipment, technological, and/or key personnel expenses. Special program fees shall be charged only to upper division students, beginning in a student’s junior year, except when the fee has been approved for an honors college.
- A university proposing a special program fee must develop a rationale addressing the following criteria.
All proposals should address the criteria, though not all of the criteria must be met in every single proposal.
(1) The quality of the student experience: the special program fee will substantially increase the quality of the learning experience for the student, providing a basis for later opportunities that justifies the extra cost to the student.
(2) Access and affordability: the special program fee plan must allow for access for qualified students who cannot afford the special program fee and include a financial aid plan with a minimum of 14% of the fee set aside for need-based aid. The plan should shalll include a college advising process that enables the student to anticipate future cost increases and (if necessary) to seek additional aid to cover the differential amount over base tuition.
(3) Cost of delivering the college/school instructional program: the special program fee plan must indicate additional costs for operating the program that are markedly in excess of the normal and usual costs of a university program, including additional services, materials, and/or opportunities that are provided for students in the program.
(4) Market pricing: there should be evidence that the program fee in a college/school is comparable to the student cost for such majors at peer institutions so that the college/school is not placed at a disadvantage in attracting the best students and that the program fee charged is appropriate to the market level nationally. The university should address elasticity of demand in its justification.
(5) Benefits to the entire university: if the special program fee provides benefits to the university as a whole, the university shall provide evidence of these benefits. At a minimum, the university shall provide tuition and fee data from each of the senior public universities (to which the board compares base tuition) and which charges differential tuition for a comparable program.
(6) Student consultation and support: all special program fees plans must show evidence of extensive and thorough consultation with the students who would be affected, both via student representative groups and organized opinion-gathering among the students that would be or are already being charged a special program fee. Although universities have some discretion in meeting this requirement, the board will consider the results of organized student referenda on proposals for special program fees.
(7) Increased earnings potential of program graduates: there should be evidence of the potential for substantially higher salaries than the average for those who earn a graduate degree.
(8) Accountability: universities to which a program fee is granted must annually present evidence of an internal process that audits the spending of program fees to ensure that they are applied to the needs and purposes for which each program fee has been approved.
- Before approving a special program fee request which would be applicable to a resident undergraduate, the board will review the weighted average of all proposed tuition, mandatory fees, differential tuition, and special program fees for resident undergraduates in the ensuing year and consider how it corresponds to the top of the lower one-third of rates set by all other states for resident undergraduate base tuition and mandatory fees at the senior public universities.
- A special program fee is not included as a part of base tuition.
- Except where a tuition waiver is required by law, special program fees are not subject to waivers. Each university may choose to offset the extra cost of a special program fee with deductions for the qualified tuition reduction program and need-based financial aid set aside. This may be done either centrally or by the college/school or campus, prior to the remainder being allocated to the program involved.
(1) A master list of special program fees shall be maintained by the institution. The listing should show programs for which special fees or deposits must be paid, the amount of the fee/deposit and the account where the funds are credited.
(2) A listing showing program and fee/deposit amounts is to be published on all media used as part of each semester's schedule of classes. Programs for which fees or deposits must be paid are to be footnoted as such within the text of the course listings regardless of media used.
(3) Before requesting a special program fee, each university should consider the number of special program fees being charged by a college/school to determine if differential tuition should be charged rather than a special fee.
- The universities shall submit to the Regents each year as part of their operating budget request their calculation of the funds required to be retained locally from tuition and fee revenues for (1) operating needs, and (2) bond debt service. The submitted request shall include a list of those activities and specific bond issues for which the universities anticipate using the retained funds.
- Funds so collected may be distributed as follows:
- For debt service on bonding obligations authorized by the Board of Regents.
- For local fund activities and activities to improve the quality of educational operations as approved by the Board of Regents.
- All remaining funds shall be deposited with the State Treasurer.
4-105 Procedure for Establishing Special Class Fees and Deposits (PDF)
New class fees and deposits shall be approved in writing by
the University's Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost and be in
compliance with the definitions shown below. Departments shall submit written
requests within the required deadlines of the registrar’s office in order to
facilitate timely notification to students and necessary adjustments to on-line
registration systems. Approval given after the registrar’s deadlines for the
current semester will not apply until the next semester or session that the
course is offered.
Requests for new fees or deposits shall include the following information:
Justification or purpose of the fee or deposit, basis upon which a deposit per
student was calculated, semesters in which the course is offered, and the local
departmental account where the revenue and related expenses will be recorded.
New special class fees and deposits totaling more than $100 or which do not
comply with the definitions outlined below shall be submitted to the Arizona
Board of Regents for approval prior to registrar’s deadlines for implementation.
If concurrent registration is required between a lecture and a laboratory, the
combined amount of new special class fees for the lecture/laboratory cannot be
more than $100 without Board approval. If an increase to the special class fees
of such required concurrent registration lecture/laboratory totals more than
$100, Board approval of the increase is required before implementation.
Increases to existing special class fees and deposits where the proposed
additional fee or deposit totals more than $100 shall also be submitted to the
Arizona Board of Regents for approval prior to registrar’s deadline for
implementation.
Approval is not required each time the course with the special fee or deposit is
offered. However, all fees or deposits are subject to change resulting from
internal periodic reviews of the ongoing need for the fee including fund
balance.
Definitions Pertaining to Special Class Fees or Requests
Special class fees and deposits for various purposes are defined below. Fees
and deposits may not be imposed except under the following definitions, and
in every case must be imposed only for expenses that are necessary for the
successful completion of the course objectives.
Private Instruction
One on one study with an instructor in special areas of study, such as, music performance.
Expendable Materials
Materials of a specialized nature that are not readily available in retail stores;
Materials that can be purchased by the department in large quantities at significant cost savings to the students;
Materials that must conform to certain specifications and be identical for all students; and
Expensive materials needed by each student in such small quantities that they couldn’t economically be normally purchased in such quantities;
Arizona Board of Regents Policy Manual Chapter III, Section 3-803 entitled Bidding and Source Selection Procedures and the State Bidding and Source Selection Procedures should be adhered to.
Technology Expense Fees
Technology expenses must be course-specific, beyond the normally expected basic services, to be defined by each university.
Selected Personnel Expenses
Models hired for art classes and for clinical practice classes. Musical accompanists for music and dance classes for classes requiring them.
Supervisory instruction (including travel) for in-context training classes such as on-site student teaching; social work practicum (field experience); and nursing clinical experience.
Special instructional support (technological support for multi-media learning, digital/graphic design, enhanced audio/visual development, and assistants for small break-out groups, recitation sections; preparation of materials, chemicals, supplies essential for classroom instruction, and group learning facilitators such as for supplemental instruction.) Excluded are costs for graduate assistants and teaching assistants who are instructors of record.
Deposits
For expensive equipment or apparatus that is temporarily entrusted to students’ care, where the deposit must be fully refundable upon the return, in satisfactory condition, of such equipment or apparatus.
Special Class fees and deposits shall be billed and collected in the same fashion as other tuition fees, except in unique situations, when payment of the fee shall be made directly to a non university operator of an instructional facility. Said non-university recipient of fees should be specified as part of the initial fee approval process. Examples of the latter case include rental of aircraft, rental of sports equipment or use of off campus facilities such as a golf course. In no case should on site payments be made to the course instructor.
Fees collected at the time of tuition payment shall be distributed by the University Comptroller to local departmental accounts, where it will be the responsibility of the academic unit to maintain accurate records of funds collected and expended.
- Special fees are refundable to students according to the policy established by each university.
- Deposit collections are distributed by the University Comptroller to local departmental accounts at the same time as revenue from special class fees are distributed, along with reports showing students who have paid the deposits. The academic unit is responsible for maintaining accurate records of students who have paid deposits, and for making refunds of appropriate amounts at the end of the semester or session.
A master list of special fees and deposits shall be maintained by the institution as part of its policy and procedures. The listing should show courses for which special fees or deposits must be paid, the amount of the fee/deposit and the local departmental account where the funds are credited.
A listing showing courses and fee/deposit amounts is to be published on all media used as part of each semester’s schedule of classes. Courses for which fees or deposits must be paid are to be footnoted as such within the text of the course listings regardless of media used.
In this Article B, unless the context otherwise provides or requires:
- is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces; or
- was not claimed as an income tax deduction by his/her parents or any other individual for the two years immediately preceding the request for residency classification, and has demonstrated objective evidence of self-support for two years. The two years used to demonstrate self-support are the two tax years immediately preceding the request for residency classification.
4-203 Requirements for Resident Status (PDF)
Subject to ABOR Policy 4-102 (Non Resident Tuition), a person shall be classified as a resident student if domiciled in the state for at least one year immediately preceding the last day of registration. The elements necessary to establish domicile are set forth in ABOR Policies 4‑204 and 4-205 (Establishing Resident Status and Evidence to be Considered).
Subject
to ABOR Policy 4-102 (Non Resident Tuition), a person shall also be
classified as a resident student if the person can establish that on or
before the last day of registration the person satisfies any one of the
following conditions:
The
person is domiciled in this state and:
The
person is domiciled in this state an
Shall establish uniform procedures to determine whether courses taken by a teacher or classroom aide qualify under this section
Shall consider charter schools as public schools
consistent with Arizona statutes.
4-204 Establishing Resident Status (PDF)
- Obtaining a tuition classification determination prior to registration and payment of fees; and
- Properly registering for classes using the tuition classification determined by the university.
- Physically present in this state; and
- Had the intention of abandoning his or her former domicile and remaining in this state for an indefinite period of time.
- He or she is not living with a parent or relative; and
- There has been a complete severance of the parental relationship as to all legal rights and liabilities, including care, custody, control and service.
- No emancipated person has established a domicile in this state while attending any educational institution in this state as a full-time student in the absence of a clear demonstration to the contrary.
- Once established, domicile in this state is not lost by mere absence from this state unaccompanied by intention to establish a new domicile elsewhere.
- A person who has been domiciled in this state immediately prior to becoming a member of the armed forces of the United States shall not lose resident status by reason of such person's presence in any other state or country while a member of the armed forces of the United States.
4-205 Evidence to be Considered (PDF)
- Financial independence, as defined in Section 4-201(J), indicators of financial independence include:
- Employment and earnings.
- Source of support.
- Evidence regarding filing of state income tax returns.
- Residence claimed on federal income tax returns of applicant and/or parents.
- How and where health and auto insurance policies are maintained.
- State in which motor vehicle is registered.
- Date of and state issuing driver's license.
- Employment history, including assured future permanent employment in Arizona
- The transfer of major banking services to Arizona
- Applications for loans, scholarships, grantsinaid, or other such assistance
- Date and state in which student is registered to vote
- Place of prior attendance in educational institutions, including high schools, and any information held by such schools affecting domicile
- Marital status and work record of registrant and spouse
- Change in permanent address on all pertinent records
- State in which registered with Selective Service
- Military records
- Ownership of real property
- All other material of whatever kind or source, which may have a bearing on determining domicile or resident status
4-206 Classification Procedures (PDF)
- A domicile affidavit in a form available from the university and which sets forth information relevant to making a classification determination; and
- If resident status is sought, all additional supporting documents sufficient to meet the student's burden of providing clear and convincing evidence of all factors necessary to provide a basis for classification as a resident student. The university may require that one or more of these supporting documents are in a notarized form.
- May use informal procedures to facilitate classification including discussion, exchange, counseling, and other kinds of communication with the student.
- May consider all evidence, written or oral, presented by the student and any other information obtained by the university or received from any source and which is relevant to determining classification.
- May request written sworn statements to be supplied by the student and/or parent(s) and/or guardian(s).
- May consult with other university officials prior to making a determination.
Upon appeal, the university review committee shall be responsible for rendering a decision in accordance with Arizona State Statutes and Board Policy for determining tuition status.
The university tuition classification review system shall consist of one or more review committees. Each committee shall consist of at least three voting members appointed by the president of the university for a term of one fiscal year. Members may be reappointed by the president. The president shall determine the number of committees required to expeditiously conduct review hearings.
The president shall designate a chair for each committee, who shall serve at the pleasure of the president and shall retain voting privileges. Members of each committee may include representatives from the faculty, administration, staff, professionals and student body of the university. Classification officers shall not serve as members of such a committee. The president may also appoint alternates who shall serve in place of a regular committee member at any hearing at which such regular member may be absent or disqualified.
At least three committee members, including any alternates, must be present to conduct a hearing and render a decision in any request for review of a classification determination.
A request for review by a student classified as a nonresident shall be filed with the classification officer no later than 35 days from the last day of registration. The request shall be in writing, signed by the student and shall include (a) the student's current mailing address; (b) the reasons why the student claims the classification determination is erroneous; and (c) a signed statement setting forth all facts in support of the student's claim that the classification determination is erroneous.
Failure to file a request for review within the time prescribed shall constitute a waiver of the right to request review.
The review committee shall schedule a hearing within a reasonable time after receipt of request for review and shall provide the student with written notice of the date, time and place of the meeting at least seven days prior to the meeting. Such notice may be made personally or by certified mail to the current address listed by the student with the university.
The student shall have the right to appear and may be represented by an advisor of his or her choice at the student's expense. If the student, without valid excuse or prior authorization, fails to appear, the committee may determine the matter on the basis of evidence before it. The student or the student's advisor, but not both, may examine and cross examine witnesses and summarize the evidence in final argument to the committee.
Every document filed with the university relating to classification of the student for tuition purposes shall constitute a part of the record. The committee shall also hear any relevant evidence, which the student or the university wishes to present.
Formal rules of evidence shall not apply. The committee shall receive and consider oral and documentary evidence of the kind on which responsible persons are accustomed to rely in serious matters. The committee may exclude evidence that is cumulative or repetitious, and will determine the credibility or weight to be given to the evidence presented.
The proceedings of the committee shall be recorded. Any copies of the record, or copies of a transcript if one is created, desired by the student shall be at the student's expense.
The order of proof shall be determined by the committee.
The committee may make such rules for the conduct of hearings as are not inconsistent with these procedures.
The decision of the committee shall be final. The decision may be made by the committee at the time of the hearing, or the committee may take the matter under advisement in which case the matter shall be decided within ten days following the hearing.
Written notice of the decision of the committee shall be promptly sent by certified mail to the student's current address filed with the university.
If the committee determines that the student should be classified as a resident student, it shall direct the classification officer of the university to so classify the student, and the university shall then refund to the student the difference between the non-resident and resident tuition collected as a result of the nonresident classification. If the student files to appeal the initial classification of residency (upon admission) within the first term of attendance and the student is successful in that appeal, any difference between the in-state and out-of-state application fee paid by the student will also be refunded.
If the student is determined to be a nonresident, the written notice shall advise the student that no further procedures within the university are available; that the student may have right to judicial review in the state courts; that the time to pursue any legal action may be short; and that if the student wishes to pursue legal action, the student should seek legal counsel.
4-208 Miscellaneous Provisions (PDF)
Education is the cornerstone of a free and enlightened people, and the Arizona Board of Regents affirms that higher education is beneficial to both the individual and society. In order to realize an educated society, a comprehensive and responsible set of financial assistance programs is crucial. These programs will ensure access to higher education, provide choice among education opportunities, promote diversity, enrich campus life, foster retention and graduation of students, and assist in the preparation of a better work force. Financial assistance programs, when properly funded, will provide individuals the opportunity to benefit from a university experience. It is by removing financial barriers and moving toward greater university access for qualified students that our state can most expeditiously ensure its stability, growth, and prosperous future.
- There should be a reasonable mix between loan, work and gift aid. At the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels, a reasonable proposition of gift/self-help aid should be determined in a manner that minimizes loan indebtedness and weekly work burdens.
- At the graduate and professional level, the mix of aid may be different from undergraduate; loan indebtedness should be minimized by expanding assistantship opportunities, other work opportunities, and gift aid.
- At the undergraduate level, loan indebtedness should be minimized by expanding appropriate work opportunities and increasing gift aid.
- Board of Regents' programs should give priority to gift aid and be used to ensure the appropriate proportion of gift/self-help aid.
- Board of Regents' financial aid programs may be a mixture of academic merit and financial needs awards.
- At least fifty percent (50%) of undergraduate Board of Regents’ aid for Arizona residents shall be awarded to students who have a demonstrated financial need. The universities must use a federally approved need assessment system to determine student financial need.
- At least thirty percent (30%) of undergraduate Board of Regents’ aid for Arizona residents shall be awarded to students on the basis of merit.
- Meritorious students with demonstrated financial aid may be included in the calculations described in both a and b.
- The following categories of waivers are not included in the calculations described in a and b:
- Athletic Financial Aid (4-305)
- Resident tuition waivers for children and spouses of slain Arizona peace officers, Arizona fire fighters, Arizona emergency paramedics and Arizona military service personnel (4-308)
- Non-Resident Waivers for Students from Sonora, Mexico (4-312)
- Resident tuition waivers for members of the Community College All-Arizona Academic Team (4-316)
- Qualified tuition reduction (6-902)
- Educational assistance Plan (6-903)
- The majority of all Board of Regents' authorized awards at the undergraduate level should be targeted to resident students whether need- or merit-based and the Board of Regents' funds at the graduate level should be targeted to all graduate students whether need- or merit-based.
- In awarding resident waivers, the universities shall take into account the special needs of students from various groups that historically have been underrepresented in the Arizona University System.
- Institutional flexibility in administering Board of Regents' programs is essential to address Board initiatives, differing students needs, and resource availability. Institutions may propose additional aid resources from tuition revenue or other sources during their annual budget process with ABOR.
- When tuition fees increase, the Board of Regents should measure and provide for the newly created need.
- The Board of Regents should set policy with the goal of affecting cost of attendance and financial aid in such a manner as to decrease the overall need.
- Policies should be reviewed periodically in light of changing demographics, economic conditions, and federal/state program changes.
- Independent entities such as the University Foundation should be encouraged by the Board of Regents to raise funds, develop endowments, and create long-term trusts which will serve to expand and enhance the available base of financial aid sources in the future.
- Each year during the annual budget process, each university shall submit for approval by the Board its financial aid plan, including the value of waivers and cash awards; their distribution among residents and nonresidents, needy and meritorious recipients, undergraduates and graduates; gross tuition revenue; and net tuition revenue.
- Subsequently, each year during the spring semester, each university shall report to the Board, on forms approved by the Executive Director, the number and value of waivers and cash awards allocated for that academic year and their distribution among residents and non residents, needy and meritorious recipients, undergraduates and graduates; actualized gross tuition revenue; and actualized net tuition revenue.
As set forth in A.R.S. §15-1825, a person who is not a citizen of the United States, who is without lawful immigration status and who is enrolled as a student at any university under the jurisdiction of the Board is not entitled to tuition waivers, fee waivers, grants, scholarship assistance, financial aid, tuition assistance or any other type of financial assistance that is subsidized or paid in whole or in part with state monies.
4-302 Non-Resident Waivers (PDF)
Repealed
4-303 Special Purpose Scholarships (PDF)
The scholarship will be awarded on a rotating basis by each university beginning with the University of Arizona, then Arizona State University, then Northern Arizona University.
4-304 Naming of Scholarship Programs Established by the Board of Regents (PDF)
4-305 Athletic Financial Aid (PDF)
The universities shall provide financial aid to student athletes who have completed their eligibility, as determined by NCAA and athletic conference rules, to compete in intercollegiate athletics, but who have not completed a bachelor's degree. The aid shall be provided subject to the following terms and conditions.
- Eligibility
- The student must have no more than 36 units of required course work to complete a degree.
- The student must have completed successfully 24 units of academic course work within the past year.
- The student must have a grade point average of at least 2.0 on all course work completed at the university.
- The student must be in good standing in the college that offers the degree sought by the student.
- During the period of post-eligibility award the student must make satisfactory progress according to the rules of the institution in a specific baccalaureate degree program.
- A university may establish policies that permit the award of post-eligibility financial aid to students who do not meet all of these criteria when, in the judgment of the university, the student has reasonable chance of completing a degree.
- The total years of athletically related aid received by the student when the post-eligibility financial aid is taken into account must not exceed the number of years of aid permitted by NCAA legislation.
- Amount of Aid
- The financial aid for eligible students at the University of Arizona and Arizona State University shall be at least equivalent to the grant-in-aid received by the student during the final year of eligibility for intercollegiate competition.
- The financial aid for eligible students at Northern Arizona University shall include at least a waiver of tuition as authorized by ABOR Policy 4-305H., (Athletic Financial Aid), and may include such other benefits as may, from time to time, reflect the policies and practices of the athletic conference in which Northern Arizona University has membership.
- Source of Funds
The source of funds for the financial aid may be the athletic department; booster groups; other university local funds; or federal, state, or local student financial aid programs. If some of the aid is in the form of student employment, the student may not be required to work more than fifteen (15) hours per week.
- Notification
The university shall notify all student athletes at least annually about the availability of post-eligibility grants-in-aid and about the criteria for eligibility.
Overdue student loans may be placed for collection with nationwide collection agencies and/or law firms selected by the university.
4-307 Graduate Assistants and Associates (PDF)
Repealed
4-308 Tuition Waivers for Children and Spouses of Arizona Peace Officers, Arizona Fire Fighters or Arizona Emergency Paramedics and Arizona Military Service Personnel, Arizona Correctional Officers, and Arizona National Guard members killed in the line of duty; and disabled Arizona National Guard members. (PDF)
In accordance with the provisions of A.R.S. §15-1808, the Arizona Board of Regents authorizes each university to award tuition scholarships for sessions occurring within a calendar year to students who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- The student's eligibility to participate in this program has been verified by the Arizona Peace Officers Memorial Board, the Arizona Fire Fighters and Emergency Paramedics Memorial Board, or the appropriate correctional official in the relevant State agency, County, City or Town;
- The student meets the university's regular admission requirements;
- The child of an Arizona Peace Officer, Arizona Fire Fighter, Arizona Emergency Paramedic, or Arizona Correctional Officer killed in the line of duty must be thirty (30) years of age or younger on the first day of any semester to which the scholarship would apply;
- The spouse of an Arizona Peace Officer, Arizona Fire Fighter, Arizona Emergency Paramedic, or Arizona Correctional Officer killed in the line of duty has not remarried;
- The student has completed no more than 144 credit hours, including any transfer credits from an Arizona community college or university, toward a baccalaureate degree;
- The student maintains a record of satisfactory academic progress in accordance with each university's standards.
In accordance with Executive Order 2003-10, the Arizona Board of Regents authorizes each university to award tuition scholarships for sessions occurring within a calendar year to students who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- The student’s eligibility to participate in this program has been verified by the U.S. Department of Defense or either the Federal or State Department of Veteran Affairs;
- The student meets the university’s regular admission requirements;
- The child of an Arizona military serviceman or women killed in the line of duty must be thirty (30) years of age or younger on the first day of any semester to which the scholarship would apply;
- The spouse of an Arizona military serviceman or woman killed in the line of duty has not remarried;
- The student has completed no more than 144 credit hours, including any transfer credits from an Arizona Community College or University, toward a Baccalaureate Degree.
- The student maintains a record of satisfactory academic progress in accordance with each university’s standards.
- The student’s eligibility to participate in this program has been verified by the Adjutant General of the National Guard;
- The student meets the university’s regular admission requirements;
- The child of an Arizona National Guard member killed in the line of duty must be thirty (30) years of age or younger on the first day of any semester to which the scholarship would apply;
- The spouse of an Arizona National Guard member killed in the line of duty has not remarried;
- The student has completed no more than 144 credit hours, including any transfer credits from an Arizona Community College of University, toward a Baccalaureate degree; and
- The student maintains a record of satisfactory academic progress in accordance with each university’s standards.
4-309 Tuition Collections Retained for Need-Based Student Financial Aid (PDF)
For Arizona State University: the estimated sum of resident full pay equivalents and non-resident full pay equivalents multiplied by resident tuition for the academic year; shall be multiplied by fourteen percent (14%), at the time the Board sets the expenditure authority for the ensuing fiscal year. Estimates are to be recalculated in the fall to reflect actual 21st day fall semester enrollments and may be adjusted at this time. However, estimates that vary by more than three percent (3%) of the original estimate must be adjusted.
For the University of Arizona: the estimated sum of resident full pay equivalents and non-resident full pay equivalents multiplied by resident tuition for the academic year; shall be multiplied by fourteen percent (14%), at the time the Board sets the expenditure authority for the ensuing fiscal year. Estimates are to be recalculated in the fall to reflect actual 21st day fall semester enrollments and may be adjusted at this time. However, estimates that vary by more than three percent (3%) of the original estimate must be adjusted.
For Northern Arizona University: the estimated sum of resident full pay equivalents and non-resident full pay equivalents multiplied by resident tuition for the academic year; shall be multiplied by fourteen percent (14%), at the time the Board sets the expenditure authority for the ensuing fiscal year. Estimates are to be recalculated in the fall to reflect actual 21st day fall semester enrollments and may be adjusted at this time. However, estimates that vary by more than three percent (3%) of the original estimate must be adjusted.
Notwithstanding the amounts calculated above for each university, the amounts authorized shall not be less than the total set aside for that university in 1994-95. The Board may consider additional set aside amounts at its discretion.
A resident full pay equivalent is generated by collection of an amount equal to resident tuition and a non-resident full pay equivalent is generated by collection of an amount equal to non-resident tuition.
Students with unique financial circumstances include, but are not limited to, students who do not qualify for federal student aid programs but who have verifiable financial need as determined by a professional university student aid officer and students who may qualify for some federal assistance but who have unusual financial needs that cannot be met adequately by federal or other student aid programs.
- Need shall be determined by the federally approved need assessment system or by the professional judgment of a student aid officer on a case-by-case basis with appropriate documentation on file and available for review by an internal auditor from the Board's central office.
- Each university may use the funds in a manner to best meet the specific needs of the applicants for financial aid on that campus.
- Awards made from these funds shall not be used to replace federal grants to which the student is entitled.
- The universities may continue to use the funds to provide the required institutional match for the Federal Perkins Student Loan Program under Title IV of the Higher Education Action, as amended.
4-310 Arizona Teacher Loan Forgiveness Incentive Program (PDF)
Repealed
4-311 Arizona Student Financial Aid Trust Fund (PDF)
Students with unique financial circumstances include, but are not limited to, students who do not qualify for federal financial student aid programs but who have verifiable financial need as determined by a professional university student financial aid officer, and students who may qualify for some federal assistance, but who have unusual financial needs that cannot be met adequately by federal or other student aid programs.
4-312 Non-resident Waivers for Students from Sonora, Mexico (PDF)
The universities are authorized to award a maximum of fifty non-resident waivers to students from Sonora, Mexico participating in the educational program authorized by A.R.S. §15-1626.
4-313 Arizona Student Incentive Grant Program (PDF)
Repealed
4-314 Paul Douglas Teacher Scholarship Program (PDF)
Repealed
4-315 Loan Forgiveness Program for Teachers of the Deaf or Blind (PDF)
Laws 1990, Ch. 340 §3 provides that the Board of Regents shall require the University of Arizona to establish a loan forgiveness program to encourage graduate students to prepare for positions as teachers of children who are deaf or blind and seek employment in a state school or in local school districts in the state.
This program will provide loan funds to eligible graduate students at the University of Arizona in the Division of Special Education and Rehabilitation through the following conditions:
- Eligible recipients will be awarded loans up to $5,000 per year upon written agreement to teach one year for each award in a state school or school district in this state with children who are deaf or blind. After graduation or completion of an approved course of study the recipient must provide verifiable evidence to the University of Arizona Student Loan Collection Office of employment as a full-time teacher in a local school district or a state school for the purpose of teaching children who are deaf or blind. Recipients who satisfy their teaching obligation as specified in the promissory note shall have their loan forgiven. Recipients who do not satisfy their obligation will repay the unsatisfied portion of their loan with interest.
- Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to apply for an award the student must be admitted to or enrolled full-time (minimum nine (9) units per semester of the academic year) as a classified graduate student in the College of Education, Division of Special Education and Rehabilitation at the University of Arizona.
- Selection of Recipients
Each year the Director, Division of Special Education and Rehabilitation, College of Education, the University of Arizona, shall appoint a Selection Committee comprised of, but no limited to, the coordinators of teacher preparation programs in deafness and blindness and the Assistant Dean for Academic Services in the College to prepare and evaluate applications and select students to receive the awards. The committee members shall develop applications; adopt such selection criteria as academic excellence, character references, membership in an underrepresented population group, and other factors that may be relevant to the needs of the state and the school districts. The University of Arizona is authorized to make the awards with priority for Fall-Spring enrollees. Summer session awards will be made on a fund-available basis (with a requirement to enroll for six (6) units in at least one summer session).
- Maximum Awards
The maximum loan award for one calendar year shall be $5,000 (beginning with the Fall semester). An individual recipient may receive a lifetime maximum totaling no more than $10,000. Each award of $5,000 or a portion thereof will carry a teaching obligation of one year not to exceed a two-year obligation in an eligible school.
The University Loan Collection Office, upon written request of a recipient, may grant deferment of time for satisfying the teaching commitment if the recipient:
- Is temporarily totally disabled for a period not to exceed three (3) years, as established by a sworn affidavit from a qualified physician, or
- Is unable to secure employment for a period not to exceed twelve (12) months by reason of the care required by a spouse who is disabled, or
- Has special or unusual circumstances, which prevent him or her from complying with the terms of the contract with the University of Arizona.
In each case, the recipient must provide complete and verifiable documentation to support the request.
The University of Arizona, upon the recommendation of the University of Arizona Loan Repayment Office, may cancel a loan made under this program if it determines that:
- The borrower is totally and permanently disabled. The University of Arizona Loan Repayment Office shall require a sworn and verified affidavit from a qualified physician, which supports the request.
- The borrower has died. The University of Arizona Loan Repayment Office shall require a certified copy of the death certificate.
4-316 Resident Tuition Waivers for Members of the Community College All-Arizona Academic Team (PDF)
The universities are authorized to award resident waivers to community college students selected as members of the All-Arizona Academic Team. Waivers are to be awarded to eligible students at the time of the annual All-Arizona Academic Team ceremony. The following conditions apply:
4-317 Resident Tuition Scholarships for Recipients of a Regents High Honors Endorsement (PDF)
The universities are authorized to award full resident tuition scholarships to Arizona High School graduates who meet the Board-approved qualifications for an endorsement of high honors. Awarding of these scholarships is subject to the following conditions:
4-318 Mathematics, Science and Special Education Teacher Student Loan Program (PDF)
Beginning with the Spring semester of the 2007-2008 school year, Arizona law authorizes the board to grant loans from the Mathematics, Science and Special Education Teacher Student Loan Fund established by A.R.S. § 15-1784 to defray in-state tuition, instructional materials and mandatory fees of the education of students who are pursuing a teaching degree at a university under the jurisdiction of the board and who are deemed qualified by the board to receive these loans. Loans are to be granted on terms and conditions established by the board and distributed to qualified applicants on a first come, first served basis.
webrev. 6/2008