In a statement released Dec. 1, Iowa Board of Regents President David Miles announced that the Board of Regents will defer two December Board meeting actions from Dec. 10 to Feb. 4.

Miles cited the state’s financial climate and the Revenue Estimating Conference as critical in determining tuition increases. The next REC meeting is scheduled for Dec. 11 — one day after the December Board of Regents meeting. Miles said the Board believes it is “imperative” to consider the most current economic projections — provided by the December REC report — in the decision on 2010-2011 tuition rates.

“This is particularly important to ensure the Board is approving tuition rates that carefully consider all economic factors, as well as the critical need to preserve the quality and affordability of Iowa’s public universities, particularly in response to the fundamental needs of Iowa students and their families,” Miles said.

The University of Iowa will also defer its presentation of recommendations for relocating and rebuilding the Hancher/Voxman/Clapp facilities that were damaged in the 2008 flood to the Februrary meeting.

Miles wrote, “The telephonic format of the December meeting is not conducive to full Board consideration of the University’s recommendations on this very important issue.”

The February Board of Regents is a “face-to-face meeting” scheduled at Iowa State.

A $100 student tuition surcharge being considered for the spring semester will be presented for Board action at the December 10 meeting.

Miles’ statement can be read in its entirety at www.regents.iowa.gov.