Topic:
APPOINTMENT TO OFFICE; EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE NOMS. COMMITTEE; HIGHER EDUCATION; STATE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS; STATE OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES;
Location:
EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE;

OLR Research Report


April 24, 2008

  

2008-R-0295

QUESTIONS FOR BOARD OF GOVERNORS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION NOMINEE

By: Rute Pinhel, Research Analyst

Board of Governors of Higher Education (CGS §§ 10a-2, 3, 6)

● The board consists of 11 members who serve staggered four-year terms.

● The governor appoints seven members and the top four legislative leaders appoint one each.

● Both houses confirm.

● Is the central policy-making authority of public higher education. Selects and hires the commissioner of higher education. Prepares a consolidated operating and capital budget for all constituent units of higher education. Develops a higher education master plan. Sets tuition and student fee and financial aid policies. Merges and closes institutions. Approves recommendations by constituent units to establish new academic programs. Maintains central higher education information system.

QUESTIONS

1. In 2007, the legislature created a Blue Ribbon Commission to develop and implement a strategic master plan for higher education in Connecticut. How should the Board of Governors incorporate the commission's plan into its higher education master plan?

2. A significant proportion of Connecticut's high school graduates leave the state to attend college. How might the state encourage more graduates to go to college here?

3. Are the current responsibilities and roles of the board and the constituent units well balanced? Are there areas in which you would like the board to be more active relative to the units?

4. In the aftermath of recent shooting deaths at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University, what do you think Connecticut's colleges and universities should do to increase security on campus?

5. Connecticut has experienced a dramatic increase in film production since the legislature enacted its film production and digital media tax credits. What role, if any, do you think Connecticut's colleges and universities should play in creating a sustainable film and entertainment workforce in the state?

6. In what ways can the constituent units collaborate with Connecticut's secondary schools to improve high school graduation rates and adequately prepare students for higher education?

7. Why do higher education costs continue to outstrip the consumer price index? What factors contribute to this? Can they be controlled? At what point will public higher education in Connecticut become too costly for most residents?

8. What can Connecticut's colleges and universities do to strengthen their ties with businesses and ensure the state's workforce needs are being met?

9. What can the constituent units do to expand their nursing programs and address the state's critical shortage of nurses?

RP: ts