Page 367 - Crisis in Higher Education

Appendix B • 337

ii. Outsourcing the operation of dormitories should be evaluated
to determine if outsiders can do a better job at a lower price.
iii. Changes in the pedagogy, reducing the size of administra-
tion, and other factors should impact the need to build new
administrative facilities.
iv. If, after careful examination, more buildings are needed,
universities must find ways to design and build them to be
functional, attractive, and cost less.
c. Students should not be required to live in campus dormitories
even as first-year students.
2. Paying student fees must be at the option of students, and fees cannot
be spent for nonacademic purposes. Funds for academic purposes
(tuition) and nonacademic purposes (fees) must not be comingled.
3. Students must have a plan of study that identifies which courses
to take and when to take them in order to graduate in the shortest
possible time and with the lowest possible cost.
4. Universities must diversity their pedagogy to cope with the various
learning styles of students. This should enhance learning, reduce
costs, and change the roles and responsibilities of faculty.

B.1.3 Chapter 9: Government’s Role in Higher Education
1. State and local governments should use their oversight and funding
as mechanisms to pressure public colleges and universities to lower
costs and improve outcomes by requiring them to:
a. Prepare a five-year rolling plan to reduce administrative expenses,
substantially, at least 5% per year for the first five years.
b. Take financial responsibility for providing textbooks and other
learning materials.
2. States should reexamine their funding plans to ensure that their:
a. Financial aid grants, which can be very specific, are not politi-
cally motivated. Without compelling reasons, these funds should
become part of the state’s general appropriation.
b. Appropriations for research, agriculture, and medical education
have careful oversight with specific outcomes identified.
c. Universities disengage from outreach and engagement until and
unless there is a well-defined funding source to support it. Funds
for tuition, fees, research, room, and board are not to be used for
outreach and engagement.