University representatives didn’t stake out any firm positions on possible 2006 legislation. Instead, they told the task force that they’re trying to serve more parts of the state and using tuition revenue to help students by adding counselors and increasing financial aid.

More overt concerns were voiced on behalf of private institutions of higher education.

Allowing community colleges to provide four-year degrees would burden the community colleges while diluting their mission, says Don Isaacson, a lobbyist for private institutions such as the University of Phoenix. “There are other alternatives that we believe the state should take advantage of.�

Community college officials say they see a need for changes to improve the quality of life and economic well-being of their areas.

Dr. Thomas Henry, Mohave Community College president, says his college doesn’t want to offer four-year degrees now but eventually will because of the school’s booming population.

Knaperek’s 2005 bill, which died in the Senate after being passed by the House, would have allowed some community colleges to offer four-year degrees in law enforcement, teacher education, health professions, fire services and any other academic subject in which a university doesn’t provide a bachelor’s degree. Eastern Arizona College would have been exempted from the degree-subject limits and would have been allowed to become a four-year liberal arts college.

The 2005 bill originally would have applied to all community colleges, but its scope was limited as Knaperek and other supporters made changes in an effort to win support.

Knaperek says the 2006 version will be similar but that details will be worked out before the bill is offered early in the regular session.

— Associated Press