When more than 1,000 University of Arizona students descend on the state Capitol Wednesday as part of a large protest decrying potential cuts to higher education, some of the demonstrators could receive class credit.
As part of an effort to bring as many university students to the rally as possible, student leaders are encouraging professors on campus to either excuse students for the day or offer extra credit to participants.
"Some faculty members are offering extra credit or alternative assignments for attending the event," student government President Tommy Bruce wrote in an e-mail to professors.
"This may be a great opportunity for your students to see politics in action, while simultaneously helping the universities."
Other professors are planning to bring their classes to the event, Bruce's e-mail said.
Student lobbyists from all three public universities in Arizona plan to bring thousands of students, parents and alumni to the Capitol to protest budget options that include cutting more than $300 million in funding from the three state universities over the next 18 months.
While the cuts stunned university administrators and students, and prompted protests last week, key Republican lawmakers maintain that the figures are only options as they look to close a projected budget shortfall of nearly $1.6 billion in the current budget, along with an even larger deficit looming next year.
As of Monday, University of Arizona organizers had signed up nearly 1,000 students to attend the demonstration, with plans to add at least 500 more Tuesday, Bruce said.
Besides asking professors to excuse students, organizers are telling students to let their professors know they'll be missing class, Bruce said. The students also are being told that they're responsible for any material they miss.
Organizers will hand out proof-of-attendance slips to students who attend the event so professors know they did in fact participate, said Kendal Nystedt, a UA student lobbyist.
Organizers plan to bring students to the Capitol by renting 25 buses at a cost of about $24,000. The cost will be covered by private donations and by the Arizona Students Association, a statewide student-financed group that lobbies on behalf of all students.
Arizona State University student leaders hope to bring more than 1,000 students from the institution's four campuses in the greater Phoenix area, said student government President Mark Appleton.
Northern Arizona University student leaders are hoping to bring about 500 students, organizers said.
Appleton said the level of engagement shows that students are taking an active role in the democratic process.
"The point is not to complain," he said, "but to inform elected officials of what they're doing and hold them accountable."
Contact reporter Aaron Mackey at amackey(at)azstarnet.com. For more stories visit scrippsnews.com
Must credit Arizona Daily Star
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