Letters and documents from 1968-1969 involving Dr. Aziz S. Atiya and others regarding historical literature and administrative actions for the University of Utah

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S U M M A R Y OF LEGISLATIVE ACTION AFFECTING T H E UNIVERSITY OF U T AH The recently completed session of the 1969 legislature provided the University with one of its most difficult and complex legislative challenges. State revenues were not equal to proposed state budgets; tax payers were vigorous in their protests against tax increases; anxiety concerning funding for public schools affected the decisions for higher education. The total University of Utah budget was raised from $70. 6 million to $77.9 million, or about 10%, Although a tuition hike was discouraged by the University administration in our original budget request which sought higher appropriation levels, the tuition increase enacted by the legislature will enable the University to maintain its present level of operations. Nevertheless, a 5% increase in enrollment, substantially higher price levels for supplies and equipment (average increases of 6%) and mandatory provision for maintenance of 16% more building space will be severe drains on the available funds. Fortunately, last minute remedial action by the appropriations committee gave the University an additional $261, 000. The University sponsored or co-sponsored a number of bills, all of which have passed and have been signed (with one exception noted below): -- SB111, SB112 (Traffic and trespass bills) are rational measures designed to give the Board of Regents clear and effective authority to make regulations in the areas of control of traffic on the campus and in the unlikely event of trespass problems. These laws reduce the risk of having unwise legislation as a result of over-reactions of student dissent elsewhere. -- SB114, SB119 (On anatomical gifts and transportation of anatomical gifts) will assist the new division of artificial organs and institute for biomedical engineering, -- SB206 will permit the University to expand its borrowing authority in order to be innovative and effective with current and future funding problems. -- SB2 (On budget procedures) contains a non-lapsing factor for state appropriations, This will permit the University to carry its funds past the end of the fiscal year, giving financial flexibility, which is desirable both institutionally and at the department levels. (Over)