President Dana Mohler-Faria and representatives from Massachusetts’
eight other state colleges have met with Gov. Mitt Romney to express their
reservations over the details of the administration’s proposed higher
education restructuring plan.
On the table are such changes as the reorganization of the state’s
29 institutions into seven regional clusters, the consolidation of so-called
“back office” operations, such as admissions and information technology,
and the transfer of power from local boards of trustees to the governor to
appoint board chairs.
Instead of displaying steadfast commitment to the many complex details of
the reform package, Gov. Romney was reportedly unsure of some the plan’s
major components, particularly those involving the diminishment of local control.
“There were several things we discussed with the governor that, clearly,
he was not aware of in his own plan,” said Dr. Mohler-Faria of the March
31 meeting. “He certainly appeared to appreciate our concerns and understood
our alarm over some of the radical changes being proposed.”
In addition to voicing their disapproval of the proposed reforms, the college
presidents dispelled some of the myths of higher education that have been
popularized by major media outlets. Specifically, the group took issue with
the suggestion that the rise in student fees over the past decade has been
in any way abusive.
“Those who suggest that the rise in student fees has been inappropriate
are clearly ill-informed,” argued President Mohler-Faria. “For
those strictly concerned with the bottom line, the news is still very positive.
In real dollars, the average cost of attending one of Massachusetts’
nine state colleges has actually fallen by 3 percent over the past decade.”
Though fees at Massachusetts’ public institutions have risen, rates
of tuition have fallen sharply. Local boards of trustees set fees, while the
Massachusetts Board of Higher Education independently determines the price
of tuition. Each institution is allowed to keep the revenue it brings in from
student fees, while tuition proceeds are returned to the commonwealth’s
general fund.
“What many people don’t realize is that, comparatively, the state
appropriation for Massachusetts public higher education continues to be very
small,” said Dr. Mohler-Faria. “Last year, for example, the commonwealth
ranked 48th in per capita spending on public higher education.”
Despite weak support, the average annual cost of attending one of the state’s
nine state colleges continues to cost about $1,000 less than enrolling in
one of New England’s 30 other four-year public institutions. Massachusetts
state colleges are priced consistent with similar institutions around the
nation, the only major difference being the breakdown of the student bill
into relatively higher fees and lower tuition.
“One thing very clear to everyone is that the demand for public higher
education in Massachusetts continues to grow steadily,” said President
Mohler-Faria. “We are committed to maintaining high levels of quality,
and as we move forward, we will continue to work hard to keep students fees
and costs at a minimum.” – BMB
