Kansas University’s four-year guaranteed tuition plan for its students would be in danger if the state adopts a Board of Regents proposal.

The regents voted Thursday that if the current governor’s recommendations of a 7 percent cut are passed, the board would use stimulus funds to provide a one-year state university tuition freeze for students who are Kansas residents in fall 2009.

However, if the state adopted the proposal, which would apply to students participating in a four-year guaranteed rate plan, KU would not be able to offer the popular fixed rates to incoming freshmen, said Theresa Gordzica, chief financial officer for KU.

“We’re already marketing it that way,” for the incoming class, she said. “We’re going to have to get out in front of it quickly.”

The university would continue to offer the rates to everyone currently in the program, Gordzica said.

State universities would also have money available for deferred maintenance needs under the regents’ plan. Regent Gary Sherrer said that if legislators cut beyond 7 percent, state institutions would need a tuition increase, and he’d be the one to make the motion.

“It isn’t a threat; it’s a reality,” Sherrer said.

The proposal would not affect nonresident tuition or fee increases.

Regents called for KU to come up with potential solutions for its guaranteed tuition compact, including suspending the plan and bringing it back later.