Regents discuss money
The Board of Regents will discuss the Fiscal Year 2009 budget request all day on Nov. 6. The request is for state money to support the UA system. Last year’s state funding totaled $292.6 million, while this year the regents are considering asking for $13.8 million. Money would go towards the Biological research building proposed at UAF, student housing and recreation at UAA, and maintenance of building across the state, among other causes. The regents will meet in Butrovich, at UAF, to debate their request. Both the legislature and Gov. Sarah Palin will have to approve the regents budget request before the regents can finalize their 2009 budget. The next regular board meeting will be Dec. 5 and 6, in Anchorage.

Innovations Challenge
ASUAF announced their innagural innovations challenge, asking students to dream up new ideas for a February presentation. Pre-registration opened Nov. 1 for students eager to invent; the final date for pre-registration, which is required, is Feb. 8. On Feb. 22 and 23 registered participants will be able to present their ideas and offer a short shpiel on their innovation. A panel of judges will determine a winner and three others to win a variety of prizes. Innovations are should be sustainable, to be applicable to similar communities to the one they are designed for, and to create positive change in the world.