Board of Regents Discuss a Plan for ConnSCU’s Future

At a special meeting of the Board of Regents for Higher Education today, a discussion was held about the development of a plan for the future of the Connecticut State Colleges & Universities system (ConnSCU), and best practices regarding the merger of two or more systems of higher education in other states.

“We are excited for the future of the Connecticut State Colleges & Universities, and as a board, are committed to working with Dr. Gray in support of his vision for the students of our system” Yvette Meléndez, acting chairwoman

Board of Regents President Gregory W. Gray is working to create a comprehensive blueprint for ConnSCU’s future, and has been meeting with college and university presidents on 17 campuses to identify components which should be addressed in the planning process.

“We are excited for the future of the Connecticut State Colleges & Universities, and as a board, are committed to working with Dr. Gray in support of his vision for the students of our system,” said Yvette Meléndez, acting chairwoman for the Board of Regents. “His approach will help shape ConnSCU’s strategic priorities that include enhancing student success, affordability and workforce development.

“We are formulating a plan for the ConnSCU system as we are now moving into a time of transparency and stability,” said Gray. “I want our system of higher education to be great — not just good — and will do everything possible to achieve that goal. My message for ConnSCU’s future is one of energy, optimism, and excellence.”

The plan, Gray, said would continually guide ConnSCU’s mission of student success, affordability and sustainability, as well as innovation and economic growth. The issues to be considered are: the role community colleges play in training and developing the state’s workforce; developing centers of excellence at each state university; how resources at Charter Oak State College can be leveraged to advance adult online education in the state; how meaningful consolidation savings can be realized; how philanthropy and fundraising can generate maximum value for ConnSCU; and the impact on student learning.

This summer, the Regents also approved 19 metrics for initial monitoring of progress on strategic goals.  In addition, national issues that impact Connecticut will be addressed in response to President Barack Obama’s plan for the establishment of a college rating system, and a way to structure repayment of student loans based on income.

At the meeting, guests Dr. James McCormick, Chancellor Emeritus of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System and Chancellor Emeritus of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education; and Janice S. Fitzgerald, former Chief of Staff and Deputy Chancellor for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, discussed best practices within merged systems of public higher education. They also spoke about higher education leadership, governance, workforce development and the institutional mergers of public higher education systems.