HIGHER EDUCATION

Given the current budgetary problems facing Rhode Island it is time to consider whether or not there are any savings that could be had as a result of consolidation of our higher education system.

Granted, as it currently exists, our higher education system functions, but the issue is whether or not it functions at its optimum efficiency. The real issue is not the delivery of education but whether we are doing it is the most cost effective manner.

The consolidation of the system of higher education has had its fits and starts in the past. Each school or univeristy in the state system has a different mission and therefore, it is not as easy to consolidate the system without forethought.

We have a community college system. That system functions to get students into a college mode. It provides education services at a more local level to those in need of education but are either not fully prepared for college or for those who have other obligations that prohibit them from taking a full college load.

Similarly, Rhode Island College has emerged as a commuter school, having its roots in a normal or teaching school. From its beginning, Rhode Island College has been a school that prepared many of the state’s, and nation’s, educators. While it’s role has expanded, it is still in that mode of providing a solid four year program that caters to the needs of a commuter student base.

The University of Rhode Island is more of the traditional institution of higher education. The mission of URI is more aligned with those of other state universities.

Acknowledging the differences in the populations served makes this discussion a bit easier to understand in terms of consolidation. It does not preclude any benefits from consolidation however it makes the task far more different and difficult.

The savings could be found in examining duplicate efforts and programs that are not carrying their weight. The reality is that savings are usually found in consolidation of administrative staffing. This should be examined first.

Duplicated efforts in course offerings, program sharing between the institutions, the interchangeability of programs within the system, and a serious need to prove the worth of each offering should be examined.

Of course, the latter requires contractual flexibility. This perhaps would be the thorniest problem in that there would likely be some staunch opposition from the labor unions, but it is not insurmountable.

If we can maintain the missions of each of the state’s institutions, we have an opportunity. Will the savings end the budget crisis? Hardly. It is unlikely that these changes will produce enough savings to salvage a sinking budgetary ship, but it is just one area where minor changes can make a difference.

The old saying is that if you watch your dimes, dollars will take care of themselves. This logic needs to be the dominate logic in all state programs.

Further, by initiating consolidation on a state level much can be learned that can then be applied to the public education system that direly needs direction and consolidation on a statewide basis.

The system is not broken. The system merely needs tweaking. While this is perhaps the harder task, it is time to do it. A leaner more effective system of higher education in Rhode Island would not only better service its constituents, it would better serve the taxpayers of the state.