2003-2007

The significant economic, demographic, and political challenges that the Arizona public universities have faced during the past decade are projected to continue for many more years. Demand for enrollment will continue to increase at the second fastest pace in the U.S., but state appropriations are not projected to keep pace with that growth. In addition, rapidly changing demographics will challenge the Arizona higher education system.

To grapple with these and other important issues, the Arizona Board of Regents unveiled the Changing Directions Initiative in the summer of 2002. This unprecedented effort empowered the state’s three public universities with a new level of strategic autonomy in a number of areas. With regard to enrollment management, ABOR limitations on financial aid and non-resident enrollment have been changed, and admission standards will change for the fall 2006 entering class, such that the universities will have more control over the entering freshman classes.

Using the Changing Directions Initiative as a springboard, the university presidents were charged with examining their university’s mission and strategic plan to move into a new era of fiscal self-reliance and improved service to the citizens of Arizona. Focused Excellence, a comprehensive review and restructuring of The University of Arizona’s fiscal situation, academic structure, support units, administration, and enrollment management efforts, was UA President Peter Likins response to this unprecedented opportunity.

Consistent with Focused Excellence Strategic Priorities I and II (see The University of Arizona’s Strategic Plan), the Office of Enrollment Management was created in 2003 to coordinate enrollment management efforts and to move the UA toward its enrollment goals.

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