UA President Jim Johnsen sent a memo in April to the University of Alaska Board of Regents and governance groups announcing his intention to request an amendment to the already-approved academic year 2017 tuition rates. The request also includes a proposal to increase tuition in academic year 2018 to help offset dramatic reductions in state general fund support.

Johnsen also addressed recommendations made by the Tuition Task Force regarding consistency across the system, including tuition rates in Kodiak and Valdez, rates for eLearning classes in relation to residency, and nonresident surcharge similarity for graduate and undergraduate level courses.

UA’s four-year tuition rates are competitive and even low compared to peer institutions, while tuition for programs at UA community and technical campuses is among the highest in the nation. To that end, UA is working on a strategy to offer some relief to students enrolled in vocational/technical programs at the community campuses, while at the same time providing revenue to meet university obligations.

Johnsen will offer a final recommendation to the regents for amending 2017 rates and propose rates for 2018 no later than September to allow time to share the proposal with students prior to the November board meeting.

Tuition revenue makes up about 10 percent of UA’s overall budget. The costs of instruction already are subsidized heavily by other sources, and will continue to be under these proposals.

Johnsen's proposal comes after discussion and support of all three chancellors and the Summit Team. However, the regents will make the final decision.