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TEMPE — The Arizona Board of Regents Friday approved a resolution reaffirming its position that the state's university campuses should be weapons-free.

The resolution, passed unanimously, was a response to a bill advancing in the Legislature that would allow any person with a concealed-carry permit to have a concealed firearm on university and community college campuses. Weapons are currently banned by law on campuses.

The bill was approved by the state Senate Judiciary Committee after it was amended to exclude K-12 schools.

"Owning a gun requires a great deal of responsibility, and in a learning environment we have to manage a lot of moving parts. When we inject in a weapon, I can't guarantee everyone is going to be a responsible gun owner," said Regent Ernest Calderón, himself a gun owner and NRA member.

Christine Thompson, the board's assistant executive director for government affairs, also briefed the regents on budget legislation passed Thursday that would direct state agencies not to spend beyond a certain point.

Without actually cutting the budget, the bill would direct the state university system to spend $25 million less than than what was allotted for this year.

The board would determine the distribution of the cuts, while the central office would take a spending reduction of 5 percent, or $388,000, Thompson said.

The regents did not discuss the legislation or other budget issues, but after the meeting Regent Fred Boice said hiring limits the three university presidents have instituted is the most appropriate action at this point.

"We know it's a tight revenue year, and we will be cooperative in every way we can," Boice said.

"We have increasing enrollment and greater demands to educate the students of Arizona," he said.

Boice said the regents won't speculate about how precisely to distribute any budget cuts until the state's budget is finalized.

In other action Friday:

● The board approved Meredith Hay as the University of Arizona's next executive vice president and provost. Hay, who comes to the UA from the University of Iowa, will start April 30 as the university's chief academic officer, at a salary of $350,000.

● The board approved a 9 percent increase in residence-hall rates for next year. With the increase, the yearly rate will range from $4,524 to $5,415 depending on the hall. Leased off-campus apartments range from $5,691 to $6,696.

● The board approved the appointment of Juan R. García as the UA's vice president for instruction and dean of the University College.