March 9, 2009 |
2009-R-0146 | |
QUESTIONS FOR BOARD OF GOVERNORS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION NOMINEES | ||
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By: Rute Pinho, 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 each appoint one.
● Both houses confirm.
● Is the central policy-making authority for 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 public and private colleges and universities to establish new academic programs. Maintains central higher education information system.
QUESTIONS
1. Given the impending cuts to higher education programs and services, what do you think institutions can do to increase their efficiency while maintaining the quality of their educational programs?
2. The governor has proposed eliminating the BOG and the Department of Higher Education and transferring their powers and duties to the State Board of Education. How do you view this proposal? What effect do you think it would have on the state's higher education system?
3. Do you foresee the BOG waiving its 15% cap on tuition increases? What can the BOG do to maintain affordability and access to higher education while preserving the quality of the state's colleges and universities?
4. What are your thoughts on the governor's proposed “middle college” system? What are possible advantages or disadvantages of this proposal?
5. President Obama has proposed dismantling the federally guaranteed student loan program and using the $4 billion savings to bolster the Pell Grant program. What do you think of the proposal? How might it affect Connecticut students and lenders?
6. Some colleges are considering three-year degree programs as a way of cutting college costs. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this approach? Do you envision any of the state's public or private colleges experimenting with such programs?
7. A group of college presidents recently reopened a national debate on the drinking age, arguing that the current drinking age promotes a culture of dangerous binge-drinking on college campuses. How bad is the binge-drinking problem at Connecticut colleges? Do you think institutions are doing enough to protect students from alcohol-related dangers?
8. Are Connecticut high schools doing an adequate job or preparing students for higher education? Do you think colleges have to spend too much time and money on remediation?
9. What are the state's colleges and universities currently doing, or should plan to do, to encourage minority students to attend college and earn a degree?
10. Should the four constituent units have a closer working relationship? What can the BOG do to facilitate this?
RP:df