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SIRLS Program Fee

Q: What is the SIRLS program fee?
A: The SIRLS program fee is a fee charged to all SIRLS M.A. degree-seeking students, in addition to university tuition.

Q: Why is this fee necessary?
A: In January 2003, UA President Likins announced that SIRLS was being considered for possible elimination. However, he did offer an alternative. Specifically, if SIRLS could become more financially self- sustaining then it would be possible to be removed from the elimination list. In response, SIRLS submitted a new business plan that included a program fee proposal.

We are very aware of the sacrifices many of you make to attend SIRLS, and the last thing we want to do is impose a program fee, but the reality is we must do so if SIRLS is to survive. Not only must we impose the program fee but it must be large enough to bring substantial revenues into the school.

The increased revenue provided by the program fee will be used to hire faculty, increase financial aid, and begin to institutionalize Knowledge River, update technology in the school, and improve student services. The overall outcome will be to strenghthen the quality of the SIRLS program and your education.

Q: When will the program fee be implemented?
A: Fall 2003 will be the first semester that the program fee will be assessed. Please see the charts below for an outline of tuition and fees for Fall & Spring 2004-2005.

Q: Do the program fees cap out during the semester?
A: The program fees cap out at 12 units per semester, for both resident and non-resident students. So if you take more than 12 units, then you will pay the rate for 12 units per semester.

Q: Are program fees refundable?
A: Program fees are refundable through the last day to cancel courses. See the University's Registration Dates and Deadlines Calendar for specific dates.

Q: Is the fee only charged for SIRLS courses?
A: The program fee is applied to all degree seeking students in SIRLS. This means that the fee applies to any course a student takes at the University of Arizona, regardless of department.

Q: Will the fee be assessed during Winter and Summer Sessions? If so, at what rate?
A: The program fee will be charged at the in-state rate during winter and summer sessions.

Q: Why do the charts below look different from the charts on the Bursar's website?
A: The charts below are a simplified version of the information from the Bursar's website. The Bursar's office divides up the program fees under both tuition and fees. However, the total per unit is the same on both sites.

Q: Who do I contact if I have questions?
A: Contact the SIRLS office at 621-3565 or sirls@email.arizona.edu.