This lead to many issues being raised and discussed. There was a conversation about competition and technology. Traditional and non-traditional students, those coming for specific training instead of degrees, etc. Undergraduates, graduates, those who need training, outsourcing to supply trainers to corporations, etc. Maybe there is a driving force that describes why individuals join the UM system.
Speed is an issue.
The rate of change is increasing in many areas, such as computers, but it still takes four years to get a degree. Much of the research work that goes on is to expand the knowledge of a particular field, not just teach what is already known. Others attend classes just because they want to learn something. The state government situation is changing, and the rate of that change is increasing. Widening income gaps, educational reforms, etc., are all forces to be considered.