State funding, restrictions could be removed from course options

Some graduate programs under UW Educational Outreach could eventually be pulled from state funding under a plan from the department's vice provost.

David Szatmary, vice provost for educational outreach, outlined a plan to create more financially self-sufficient programs within the UW at last Thursday's Board of Regents meeting.

"I think there was some feeling that it should be confined to master's programs," said Szatmary of the regents' response to expanding the programs.

Several course options are already run under a "fee-based" approach, including summer quarter and the evening degree programs. Courses using this method of funding essentially pay for themselves, without help from the state.

Certain restrictions can also be lifted, including the tuition cap (which sets tuition at a flat rate for 10-18 credits).

Such programs could eliminate the difference in tuition costs between resident and non-resident students. Currently, summer quarter continues to cap tuition at the 10-credit rate.

"The undergraduate programs have the same per-credit fee as the state-funded programs," said Szatmary.

Part-time students in these programs would see no difference in their tuition costs, but a full credit load would lead to higher costs, he said.

But he emphasized that the goal is to make the UW an option for more students.

"It provides access to people who might not otherwise have access to the institution," said Szatmary at last week's meeting.

The regents also addressed minority enrollment, pointing out that black high school graduates often turn down UW admission offers in favor of other state institutions.

"Every year we gain little scratches, then we fall back," said Regent William H. Gates of the University's diversity efforts. "Either there's something wrong with us, or it can't be done."