EDITOR'S NOTE: This response to a recent editorial was written by Laura Coleman, Ph.D, president of Bay de Noc Community College and Thomas L. Butch, chair, Board of Trustees Bay de Noc Community College
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ESCANABA - When we read The Detroit News editorial, Community colleges are not four-year
schools" reprinted by The Daily Press, we were very disappointed in the conclusions drawn because they did not represent both sides of the issues discussed.
Community colleges have had a defined mission since their inception in the early 1900s; to provide affordable, accessible, quality, post-secondary education that meets the regional occupational needs and/or allows students to complete the first two years of higher education before transferring to a university. This is our mission and will continue to be our mission. This will not change.
Community colleges will not experience mission creep if Senate Bill 1221 passes. The bill is asking for authority to allow community colleges to grant baccalaureate degrees in five areas: culinary arts, nuclear technology, maritime technology, concrete technology and nursing. Other than nursing, universities have shown little or no interest in offering these degrees. Community colleges are asking to offer these degrees because business and industry are asking students to complete baccalaureate degrees in these areas. In the few areas where universities do offer the degree, many students find they are place bound and so are unable to grow in their careers.
The editorial suggests that the state will experience increased costs if community colleges offer these degrees. The community colleges interested in offering these degrees have not and will not ask for additional funding. In fact, the last two years of education in these degrees is significantly less expensive to provide than the first two years of education. The bachelor of science in nursing is a prime example and is the most heavily debated degree offering requested by community colleges. The first two years of nursing education is the most expensive to provide because it involves smaller student to teacher ratios, clinical rotations, and expensive equipment costs such as simulation mannequins. The last two years contain classes such as supervision, nursing theory, and nursing research, which allow higher student to teacher ratios.
The next issue brought forth in the article is that community colleges would face accreditation issues. Community colleges and universities all participate in the same accrediting process with the Higher Learning Commission.
The HLC is a regional accrediting body covering 19 states in the Midwest region. This is the only required accreditation. The Bay College nursing program has gone an extra step and has been accredited by the National League of Nursing. Our graduates routinely pass the NCLEX (nursing license test) at or above the state and national averages. All PN and ADN students take these tests (community college graduates and university graduates).
The statement that community colleges are coming up short in degree production is unfounded and does not take into consideration our student population base. Many of "our students come with specific job skill needs which are fulfilled with one or more classes and result in a job promotion without attaining a degree. Others attend to pick up a few classes before transferring to a university and others attend for personal enrichment. The function of community colleges is to serve their constituents' diverse needs.
Last, the editorial addresses a renewed commitment by universities to fill University Centers at community colleges if the legislators fund the effort. Some universities have partnered with community colleges. In fact, Lake Superior State University and Bay College have a very successful partnership providing 12 baccalaureate completion programs at the Escanaba campus. Unfortunately, many other universities are not as cooperative, and communities suffer due to lack of access to four-year programs.
The legislators should pass SB1221. It will improve access for all Michigan citizens, particularly those living in rural areas such as ours.