Friday, February 3, 2012
GOVERNACE FOR HIGHER EDUCATION IN OREGON
The structure of Oregon's system of higher education became a household topic this fall. Efforts are underway to revise the system and address issues of funding and autonomy. A review of the way other states handle their institutions provides an informed backdrop for the deliberations of Governor Kitzhaber, the Board of Higher Education, and university faculty and administrators. That group is considering ways to tailor Oregon's public university system to fit the needs of educators, students, and the community. Closer to home, the University of Oregon seeks fuller authority to develop and implement policies that further its goals of academic excellence.
George Pernsteiner, Chancellor of Higher Education, will give us an overview of how other states structure their systems of higher education to best serve the multi-tiered needs of their residents. His role with the national organization of State Higher Education Executive Officers gives him first-hand knowledge of alternative higher education governance models elsewhere in the U.S.
Robert M. Berdahl, Interim President of the University of Oregon, will follow with his vision for the University. Berdahl served as a senior administrator at state university systems in Illinois, Texas, and California. In the years immediately preceding his recent retirement, he was president of the American Association of Universities. He is familiar with governance strategies that can work in state systems. He will describe his plans to work with the Governor and the Board of Higher Education to develop a structure enabling the University of Oregon to reach its goals while still supporting all the members the Oregon University System.
Robert Kyr, president of the UO Faculty Senate, will ask one of the first questions. Andrew Rogers, ASUO Communications Director, will ask the other.
