"UC Becoming a Federal University: Chancellor Says," by Louis Freedburg, California Watch. February 24, 2011 in the SF Chronicle
http://articles.sfgate.com/2011-02-24/bay-area/28623753_1_student-fees-federal-research-funding
This is a brief story about what may become a major trend in the future for state-sponsored schools in higher education systems. UC Berkeley's chancellor, Robert Birgeneau, said that Berkeley is morphing into a federal university. In part because of the federal government's increased role in funding. The breakdown at Berkeley this year is: Feds- $500 million; student fees- $315 million; private philanthropy- roughly $315 million as well; and the state of California-about $300 million.
He says that UC Berkeley must rethink it's role at the state and national level. Currently, the state provides half the money it offered the UC schools in 2004. He said, "the reality is that with the progressive disinvestment in higher education by the state, the state is becoming a tertiary player."
This is interesting, to say the least, and a bit sad to see what was once the best state higher ed system in the country (bar none) slipping into economic dire straits. I wonder how it will effect the imposition of state laws on the universities if the funding continues to plummet. Perhaps this scenario will start playing out in Oregon as well as other states. Also, with increased federal dollars, can the feds threaten to withhold money from schools whose mission, practices, research, etc. don't jive with their own? (see planned parenthood).
No comments:
Post a Comment