NEW: College Affordability Panel Schedules Public Hearings at RIC, CCRI, URI
Thursday, January 05, 2012
The House Commission to Study Public Higher Education Affordability and Accessibility in Rhode Island will be visiting the state’s public higher education campuses to offer students, faculty, administrators, alumni and other members of the community a chance to talk to the commission about making education more affordable.
The commission, led by Rep. Frank Ferri (D-Dist. 22, Warwick), will hold public hearings this month and next at each of the three campuses of the state’s public higher education institutions. Anyone who wants to testify to share their ideas involving the affordability and accessibility of higher learning in Rhode Island is invited.
The public hearings have been scheduled as follows:
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Tuesday, Jan. 17, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Rhode Island College, Roberts Hall in the Board of Governors Room
Tuesday, Jan. 24, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., University of Rhode Island Kingston campus, Alumni Center in the lounge area
Wednesday, Feb. 15, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Community College of Rhode Island Newport Campus, Conference Room 200.
The commission, which was established last year by legislation (2011-H 5193) sponsored by House Speaker Gordon D. Fox, is studying the administrative and academic decisions and practices that affect affordability and accessibility of public higher education in Rhode Island as well as other states’ efforts to improve affordability and accessibility. It will issue recommendations on actions that can be taken to make education more affordable and accessible.
“We have been collecting expert testimony about the importance of making tuition at public colleges and universities more affordable, and we know doing that is going to require efficiencies. We also know that better prepared students are more likely to stay in and graduate from college. We have heard some suggestions on how to bolster high school preparation, and how to better support students when they arrive at college,” said Chairman Ferri. “We need to hear from those who are most directly affected – students, instructors, staff and others – to know what they’re facing and what ideas they may have for better, more effective ways to connect Rhode Islanders to the education they need to be successful in today’s world. We hope that the communities at RIC, CCRI and URI will help us by letting us know what’s most important to them as we work to make education more accessible to all who need it.”
In an initial report issued in May, the commission indicated that the state must find spending efficiencies at its public colleges and university and cut its reliance on ever-increasing tuitions to achieve its goal of a well-educated workforce that attracts employers and supports a robust economy. The commission has examined national trends in affordability and accessibility, governance issues, strategic planning activities at URI, RIC, and CCRI, the research university, graduation and retention, the high school experience and role of K-12 school districts, the role of after-school and summer programs in supporting middle and high school students and teacher preparation, certification and evaluation.
