UH regents examine
proposed technology fee

University of Hawaii regents questioned a $10-a-credit technology fee that is part of the proposal to more than double tuition at four-year UH campuses and community colleges over five years.

Linda Johnsrud, UH vice president for academic planning and policy, told the regents at their meeting yesterday that the fee and the length of time to phase in the tuition increase could be modified before a final proposal is presented to the regents for approval next month.

Search for UH president to begin The University of Hawaii Board of Regents has formed a task force to start the search process for a permanent president of the University of Hawaii system. Regents Chairwoman Patricia Lee appointed herself and regents Kitty Lagareta, Alvin Tanaka and Byron Bender to the task force, which will come up with a timeline for the selection committee and look into whether the university should hire outside consultants to assist in the search. Current interim President David McClain was appointed for a two-year term after the regents dismissed former President Evan Dobelle. McClain's contract ends in August 2006. Regents have said McClain is eligible to apply for the permanent job.

Johnsrud said public meetings over the last three months had brought out issues that need to be addressed.

She said the administration is also looking at providing additional financial aid to students who may not qualify under federal guidelines.

Regents wanted to know what other fees students are charged, and how the university's fee schedule compares with other public universities and community colleges.

"It's all money out of the pocket that has to be paid to go to school," noted regent Byron Bender.

Regent Alvin Tanaka questioned whether the technology fee is a separate issue that should be taken up apart from the tuition hike.

Student regent Trent Kakuda asked whether technology needs were the same on each campus and whether the fee increase should be the same for each campus.

UH Interim President David McClain said the money from the fee would stay on each campus and would go toward upgrading computers and other technology used by students.

Interim regent John Kai said he hoped the tuition proposal that comes before the board next month will reflect input from students and "result in some compromise."

Johnsrud said the administration will meet with a budget committee, which includes students and chancellors, to work on revisions to the tuition proposal, but it may not be possible to have students review changes before next month's meeting.