Government Relations

Every Minnesota student deserves chance to succeeded

By David C. Olson

Today’s economy has placed unprecedented pressures on Minnesota businesses. Companies of all sizes and types are forced to become more efficient and innovative in delivering their products and services. Their employees must excel in a global marketplace.

Similar challenges confront the public sector, especially in the state’s higher ed systems. I witnessed those firsthand during my service on the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees, including the past three years as board chair. As I leave the board, I’m pleased to report that the system is increasingly responsive to the changing needs of its customers – students and businesses alike. Strengthening the link between higher education and businesses was at the forefront of my initiatives.

Minnesota’s economy is at a crossroads. The pool of workers is shrinking as the state’s population ages. At the same time, students of color and low-income students – an important source of workers – are challenged to pursue higher education.

The state’s colleges and universities have stepped to the plate in three avenues – accessibility, affordability and accountability. Our initiatives are essential ingredients to Minnesota’s economic livelihood.

• Accessibility – In 2007, three college access and opportunity centers were established, aimed at improving high school graduation and college participation among students of color and other underrepresented groups. In 2009, the system recognized six college and university programs for exceptional accomplishment in diversity leadership, programming and services – the first time these awards had been presented. Also in 2009, the system’s materials and websites became available in English and eight other languages. The result: In fall 2009, enrollment of new students from groups traditionally underrepresented in higher ed increased by 22 percent.

• Affordability – For the 2008-09 academic year, the board held tuition increases to 2 percent at community and technical colleges and 3 percent at universities – sending a powerful message to students its concern about the cost of education. In 2008, pilot projects at six schools sought to find ways to lower textbook costs for students. In 2009, the board redirected funds to buy down the 2009 tuition increase, minimizing the impact on students.

• Accountability - Employers and prospective students now have the ability to view the ratings and compare the performance of schools in the system following the 2008 launch of the Board of Trustees Accountability Dashboard. Also in 2008, the system achieved all five performance goals set by the Governor and Legislature including increasing enrollment of students taking college courses in science, technology and math. The board, for the first time, implemented a performance pay model for college and university presidents and vice chancellors. Lastly, during six months in 2008-09, presidents and system leaders visited more than 350 businesses to further a goal of enhancing the state’s economic competitiveness. Despite the economic downturn, business leaders overwhelmingly identified an insufficient supply of education and skilled workers as the primary barrier to companies’ long-term growth.

These initiatives, and many more, have made their mark as witnessed by steady increases in enrollment. More students attended classes in fall 2009 than ever before, resulting in the largest increase in students since the system began. Overall enrollment now approaches 200,000, up nearly 7 percent from the previous year. It was the fourth consecutive year that fall enrollment set a record high.

Online learning has increased as well to accommodate the schedules and needs of students. Approximately 66,000 students, or 26 percent of all credit system students, are enrolled in at least one online course. The system, in conjunction with Gov. Tim Pawlenty, announced in 2008 a goal to have 25 percent of all system credits earned through online courses by 2015, up from 9.2 percent in the 2007-08 academic years.

Our work is not done. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, the state’s largest and most effective business advocacy organization, seeks to maximize the state’s investment in higher education to educate and prepare the workforce to meet the new economy.

Minnesota must strategically invest in “the public” rather than “public institutions.” More money should be targeted to those programs that distribute resources directly to the consumers to give them access to the higher ed opportunity that best fits their needs.

Funding must be more transparent. The Legislature should separate appropriations for student subsidies, institutional support and research. Minnesota has a rich history of supporting research through state appropriations, and that’s important. However, given the limited resources, citizens should have the ability to see where the money goes to evaluate the state’s postsecondary priorities.

The higher ed system must join the effort to make our K-12 public schools more effective. Resources, already scare within the system and among customers, are stretched even further due to the demands of remedial learning. The system should join businesses and communities of color in their fight to close the achievement gap and reduce the need for remedial education.

Building a quality workforce is essential to a vibrant economy, and our state’s colleges and universities play a vital role in that effort. The Minnesota Chamber is committed to strengthening that partnership as we all work together to create and keep jobs in Minnesota. To that end, the state college system is well positioned to continue working closely with the business community. My successor as board chair is Scott Thiss of Edina. He also served as chair of the Minnesota Chamber Board of Directors from 2003-04.

Businesses continually look for improvements and increased efficiencies as a part of improving customer service and remaining competitive. It’s gratifying to see the state’s colleges and universities embracing a similar mind-set.

David Olson is president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit the Web at www.mnchamber.com.