In considering new instructional programs, research projects and public service activities, the Commission advises the Board of Trustees of the State Colleges to first assess if an actual unmet need exists and assign that need a priority. If it has sufficient priority, the Board could then direct responsibility for meeting that need to the State College that is best able to meet the need. The State Colleges have evolved from their earlier role as teacher's colleges into more comprehensive institutions that provide diverse educational opportunities to their region. The Commission understands this evolution, but does not want to see expansion exceed capacity or quality. State Colleges will best serve the people of the state if they continue to focus on programs and services that have the broadest implications and demand within their region.
Limited resources demand that no institution attempt to meet all needs.
State Colleges need to evaluate existing and proposed new instructional programs to determine if they comply with institutional objectives, meet student and state needs, and do not constitute unnecessary duplication. While this is an essential responsibility of the institutions, the Commission will participate in this process through its program review responsibility. The Commission proposes that teacher education, business, and liberal arts education leading to a baccalaureate degree should continue to be the major emphasis of State Colleges. The Commission recognizes the value of general education courses and believes they should permeate all undergraduate education at the State Colleges. Ideally, each college should provide a core of general education courses to enhance intellectual exploration, inquiry, and personal responsibility that provide a foundation for all other programs.