Clear the Path

While most Michigan residents live within commuting distance of two- and four-year higher education institutions, proximity remains a serious barrier to educational attainment. This problem is most acute in Michigan’s non-metropolitan counties, which have long had low higher education participation rates. Michigan’s economic success requires that in every region of the state there is easy access to the full range of degree-granting programs, including baccalaureate degrees in a variety of high-demand fields. Michigan’s higher education institutions, both public and private, are moving to offer convenient access to a full range of higher education programming through extension programs, university centers, partnerships between community colleges and four-year institutions, and a host of virtual and remote learning opportunities. The expansion of these efforts can ensure that all Michigan residents have the geographic access and opportunity to gain advanced degrees that are relevant for economic opportunity. We also recognize that many of Michigan’s two-year institutions are prepared to offer applied baccalaureate degrees in selected areas that correspond with regional economic needs.

RECOMMENDATION

Expand Access to Baccalaureate Institutions and Degrees

• Michigan’s higher education institutions must examine the availability and geographic coverage of higher education services and put in place the necessary partnerships to ensure that residents in all parts of the state have access to two- and four-year baccalaureate programs.
• Universities that currently grant applied baccalaureate degrees must forge new partnerships with community colleges to expand the availability of this credential. In addition, the Michigan legislature must pass enabling legislation during the 2005–2006 legislative session that defines the criteria and process by which Michigan community colleges may offer applied baccalaureate degrees in response to unmet economic, employer, or community needs in their service regions where partnership arrangements have failed to meet these needs.

(Completion Work Group rec. 4)

News

• University of Detroit Mercy Forms Partnership With Henry Ford Community College and Oakland Community College to Promote Information Assurance Education; Program will bring more high-tech jobs to our region, PR Newswire US (April 28, 2005)
• U-M Receives $1 Million Foundation Grant to Increase Community College Transfers, University of Michigan News Service (March 6, 2006)
• University of Michigan Grant Helps Lure 2-Year College Students, University Wire (March 15, 2006)
• New College in Battle Creek Seeks to Meet Students’ Needs, The Associated Press & State & Local Wire (August 7, 2005)

Web Links

• University Center for Extended Learning, Ferris State University
• Office of Extended Learning, University of Michigan-Flint
• The College of Extended Learning, Central Michigan University