Valley higher ed aims for better cooperation, too
With the precision of a laser beam, California's Legislative Analyst Office focused attention and criticism on the state's three levels of public higher education.
Specific goals and performance standards, improved coordination, independent oversight and predictable funding are needed to bring programs provided by the University of California, the California State University and the state's community colleges in line with the needs of California and its students, according to state analysts.
Strongly worded criticism and recommendations were contained in a LAO report released in late January that placed special urgency on reforming California's higher education system.
The state's multi-billion dollar budget deficits -- and predictions that California soon will have a shortage of educated workers -- demand that the governor and Legislature reform the system, the report warned.
As California approaches the 50th anniversary of the adoption of its much touted Master Plan for Higher Education, state analysts concluded the plan's effectiveness and direction has eroded. They critically compared California's higher education system, which once was a model for the rest of the nation, to systems in other states.
The LAO's report is intended to be used by the Legislature and governor to craft and implement reforms. This will be a tedious, time-consuming process with possibly uncertain results. The 28-member Central Valley Higher Education Consortium, which includes public and private colleges and universities in Bakersfield and Kern County, isn't waiting for the Legislature and governor to act. Central Valley presidents and chancellors will be meeting on Feb. 9 at Cal State Stanislaus to discuss the report and its findings with state analysts.
Under the direction of board president Benjamin Duran, president of Merced College, consortium members will begin searching for ways to better coordinate programs, improve transfer rates and help students succeed in obtaining higher education.
This continues a decade of cooperation that began with a conversation in 2000 between then-UC Merced Chancellor Carol Tomlinson-Keasey and Fresno State President John D. Welty that led to the consortium's creation.
The goal in establishing the consortium, which spreads from San Joaquin and Tuolumne counties in the north to Kern County in the south, was to foster cooperation, rather than competition. Central Valley colleges and universities continue to offer programs that respond to workforce demands, advocate for keeping fees manageable and more financial aid to be available, and provide access to higher education for all students.
Many of the concerns detailed in the LAO's report, "The Master Plan at 50: Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts -- Coordinating Higher Education in California," have been recognized by consortium members.
At their Feb. 9 meeting, Central Valley presidents and chancellors intend to vigorously discuss the concerns and recommendations of state analysts, and search for additional ways to expand their cooperative efforts.
Cheri Cruz is the executive director of the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium.
