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 Brand |
The need to increase access to higher education in Indiana is not new. Our state always ranks low in the percentage of residents with college degrees.
At IU, especially IUPUI and the regional campuses, we've tried to improve those numbers by reaching out to more non-traditional students, offering flexible schedules, even adopting a two-year associate's degree to add to the higher education alternatives.
Now, Gov. Frank O'Bannon has proposed another option--an alliance between Vincennes University and Ivy Tech State College to create a Community College system. At 22 sites statewide, students could take workforce development courses or receive credits that could transfer to a four-year college or university.
The Community College idea makes sense, and I support it.
But I look at any higher education proposal with a distinct point of view. I ask: How will this affect IU? The trustees and I, along with the campus chancellors, have begun discussing the possible campus-by-campus impact of the Community College plan.
The proposal calls for the state to "buy down" tuition at the Community Colleges. As a result, some students seeking two-year degrees will choose Ivy Tech/Vincennes because of the lower cost. This shift will require us to refocus the mission of each IU campus to meet each community's needs.
While IU will continue to offer high-quality, two-year programs, more four-year programs may be instituted on some campuses. Others might increase master's degree offerings in professional fields. Some would be logical sites to teach the Community College general education classes. Still others will need to increase course offerings available on site to those in the workforce.
Changes will be necessary; I see those changes as opportunities.
My greater concern is that, if state leaders focus too intently on the Community College plan, they will downplay another enormous need. To develop educated leaders for the economy of the 21st century, Indiana must have outstanding research universities, such as Indiana University Bloomington. It must have an urban campus in the capital city that ranks with the best nationally.
A comprehensive strategy for improving higher education in Indiana must include investments at both ends of the spectrum, to increase access and to pursue excellence.
If we make that kind of commitment, we can build a higher education system that will safeguard the economic future of Indiana and guarantee that all Hoosiers have the opportunity to fulfill their highest potential.
What's on your mind? E-mail President Brand at pres@indiana.edu.
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