Both the Associated Student Government and the faculty Senate at the University of Arkansas have passed resolutions opposing the loan of $1.5 million from campus money to finance the startup of eVersity, University of Arkansas President Donald Bobbitt’s online education initiative.

The Arkansas Traveler reports on the opposition and campus comments. The students objected that the loan depletes a fund used for unexpected expenses or major projects and detracts from the mission of the campus in becoming a leading research institution. The faculty’s resolution, adopted Nov. 12, also objected to depletion of reserves, but there were broader concerns.

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“We remain puzzled as to why – if nationally reputable faculty, experienced web designers and robust support systems are already in place on existing campuses – the board of trustees would desire to spread an already fragile revenue stream even more thinly,” according to the senate’s resolution.

The University of Arkansas Board of Trustees has already approved the plan to borrow a total of $5 million from UA campuses.