UA Family Program Helps Employees Who Have Future Wildcats at Home

Many dependents of University employees grow up on or around the UA campus – including my daughter. I had the honor of seeing her join the incoming class as a freshman this fall.

McKenzie grew up here. She shopped at the BookStore, attended Campus Recreation A-Camps and Athletics volleyball camps in the summer, and cheered on the Wildcats from Section 11 of Arizona Stadium.

Now she is actually living on campus (but has relocated to ZonaZoo for football games).

As a second-generation college student and brand-new Wildcat, she has encountered so many opportunities to fully experience a college education.

For me – a Tucson native, alumnus and 25-year employee – I am adjusting to life as a first-time college dad. McKenzie may know her way around campus, but in many ways, I find myself still learning so much as she experiences the UA as a new student. It reminds me that we have a great campus, and great people willing to help.

We also have a great opportunity, as UA employees, to take advantage of tuition benefits for our spouses and children through the Qualified Tuition Reduction program! As parents and guardians of current high school and community college students, you can provide an incredibly affordable path to a world-class college education.

To help UA employees make the most of this benefit, we have revamped the UA Family website to provide information and resources that employees might need as they prepare for the admissions and enrollment processes. Some of those resources include:

• A list of contacts within Admissions
• Personalized tours for employees and their children
• Frequently asked questions
• Links to information about majors and degrees, scholarships and financial aid, and UA Parent and Family Programs

This time of year presents the opportunity for high school seniors and community college students to learn about higher education across this country and the world – including the UA!

If you'd like to learn more, please sign up for information through Refer a Wildcat. You also can connect with my office through the UA Family website or contact me directly at rmeza@arizona.edu or 520-621-9614 (or stop by to see me in Old Main 112).

I look forward to helping you make the most of the benefits of a UA education, and welcoming you, your spouse or your children to the UA family.

And if you happen to see my daughter, please remind her to call her mom and Bear Down!

Rafael Meza is senior director for inclusive excellence and community development in Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Advancement and assistant dean for undergraduate admissions.