States need to spend more on universities - Daniel J. Hurley, Inside Higher Ed

Public colleges must be stewards of the public’s trust and of students’ and taxpayers’ dollars. They should be accountable for containing costs and for spending on what matters most: preparing students to be active learners, career-ready and engaged citizens. Public colleges are using myriad strategies to cut costs and keep college affordable. These include slashing administrative expenses; eliminating low-enrollment programs, realigning instructional resources and student support services; and achieving cost savings in energy management, procurement and employee health care. Maintaining access to affordable public colleges is paramount to our nation’s economic security, social equity and civic vibrancy. It is incumbent upon state government, together with public colleges and universities, to ensure this happens. Hurley is associate vice president for government relations and state policy at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. http://www.indystar.com/story/opinion/2014/05/13/states-need-spend-universities/9041665/