We understand the financial situation we are in and that we could face the deterioration of courses if funding isn't met. Marie Scholle, Chair of the UA system Governance Council expressed her opposition to the tuition raise in the University of Alaska, Governance Report of Feb. 1998. It was clear that a tuition increase was not a desirable solution to meet financial shortfalls. However, the regents were faced with a serious dilemma. Students should be the first group in the state to support the increase, to protect the education they value so much.
State benefits are higher in Alaska than other states.
So students can't claim any great student hardship. We are turning to students because other areas of funding are just not there. We need to do everything we can to protect and maintain the quality of the university. On the last afternoon of their three-day meeting in Juneau, the regents resolved not to take action. Despite their appeals to prevent the tuition increase, student representatives were aware of the predicament the regents were confronted with.