At the current time these things are decided on an individual basis. Halligan said that there is a possibility that Gov. Keating is considering having the state participate in the Western Governor's University. The state systems of Colorado, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, etc., would pool their programs through electronic means and not create any physical infrastructure but out of all their intellectual assets would create a university whereby individuals could get degrees. Presnal said he thought the idea was workable and that the person responsible for putting the program together was on our advisory board. If we have a chance to be involved we should do it.
Industry seems to be excited about their program.
Edgley asked if there was any downside to this. In particular are there any studies on the impact on traditional classes. Presnal said that you lose the face to face interaction and the social aspects of the traditional university. If someone is granting degrees in our name using these kinds of experience then we need to take a really hard look at that. Halligan added that his understanding of the Western Governor's vision is that it will be competency based.