The University of Arizona celebrated the start of the 2026-27 academic year with renewed dedication to its strategic imperatives: student success, research that shapes the future, and engagement with communities to create opportunity.

President Suresh Garimella said that includes keeping undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees flat for the third consecutive year, expanding doctoral admissions, supporting groundbreaking research and catalyzing economic activity.

"The University of Arizona enters this academic year with real momentum, and our responsibility is to build on it," Garimella said. "We are proud of our community's accomplishments, but there is still more work to be done in support of our North Star: success for every student. These efforts are made possible by the caliber of our faculty and staff, and that is what makes this place a true force for good."

Provost Patricia Prelock added that the enrollment management strategy implemented last year supports the needs of Arizona brightest minds, evidenced by this significant, positive response from admitted Arizona students. The U of A also adjusted financial aid to provide more support to Arizona Pell-eligible students.

Garimella said that he looks forward to supporting Arizona Athletics following a standout year that included the U of A's first Big 12 Allstate Commissioner's Cup, a second consecutive national title in triathlon, regular season and tournament titles in men's basketball, a Territorial Cup win, and postseason berths in volleyball, men's tennis and golf. 

Beyond athletics, Garimella is excited for university-wide programs like the transdisciplinary Big Idea Challenge, award-winning arts and culture performances, and the campus events that take place throughout the year.