News Highlights

Public invited to comment on MnSCU system

Listening session Feb. 1

Public can comment on MnSCU priorities at Feb. 1 listening session.

2010-01-28
Minnesota State University, Mankato Media Relations Office news release [1/27/2010]

Minnesota State University, Mankato will host one of four statewide Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees listening sessions on Monday, Feb. 1.

The sessions, hosted by the Ad Hoc Committee on System Planning, are intended to gather comments about how the system can better meet the public’s needs in light of fiscal and demographic challenges. The Mankato session will be from 6-8 p.m. in Ostrander Auditorium of Centennial Student Union.

The public, as well as students, faculty and staff, are encouraged to attend and comment on the system’s revised strategic plan. The committee seeks comments on three questions:

• What are the most significant changes/challenges affecting public higher education in Minnesota?
• How can the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities add value and better meet your needs now and in the future?
• Given the fiscal and demographic challenges facing post-secondary education, what should the system's priorities be for the next 5 to 10 years?

“As we continue some long-range planning, we believe it is vitally important to listen to what our constituents have to say about how we can improve the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities,” said David Olson, board chair.

Between 2000 and 2009, enrollment has gone up 26 percent and the state’s share of the costs of educating students has dropped significantly. During the same time, the system's average annual tuition has doubled.

The first session was Jan. 21 at Hennepin Technical College. Other sessions are scheduled today at Minnesota State University Moorhead and Thursday at Alexandria Technical College.

Those who wish to register in advance to speak at the session should contact Patty McCann at (651) 296-5327 or patty.mccann@so.mnscu.edu. Speakers also may register at the sessions. Speaking time will be limited to three minutes. Written testimony may be submitted to Todd Harmening, todd.harmening@so.mnscu.edu.

The ad hoc committee will meet before the listening session from 4-5:30 p.m. in Centennial Student Union Rooms 253-255, but the schedule does not provide time for the panel to hear public comments at that meeting.

Minnesota State Mankato, a comprehensive, doctoral university with 14,950 students, is part of the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities system, which comprises 32 institutions across the state.

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