Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1955-08-08


mission has made suggestions
that the State government con-
slider several ways Of providing
college education at relatively
lower costs to Virginia taxpayers.
The sugge sticns are among a
number If bv-products Of the
long study Of building and equip
ment needs at State institutions
for the years 1860 made by
the commission.
The commissions report, re-
leased Saturday by Gov. Stanley,
calls for a $109-million building
program over the next six years.
Besides citing possible econo-
my steps in higher education,
commission members touch on
other possibilities ranging from
farm operations to tighter con-
trolls by the governor.
More Students Expected
Anticipating AN increase OF
1000 or more in enrollmentS al
State-sunported colleges and I'M
Iiversities between last year and
1850, the commission recommen-
Ided a total $36.5-million building
program for these institutions
This includes about $50 million
from the taxpayers and nearly
Sc milli,n from revenue bonds.
But in recommending the col
lege building program. the COM
mission voiced the opinion that
the State ought to concentrate
on developing-either by en-
larging present ones or estab-
fishing new ones-college OF
branches in various cities that
are centers of eavy-population
areas.
This, it said, would be gen
orally preferable to the extern
sive enlargement of the principal
plants" at existing major insti-
tutions. There would be savings
to both State and students be-
cause 1.-The division plan brings
the facilities closer to the stu
dents homes and avoids dormi-
tory needs and some Other
classes of costs"
! Scholarships Suggested. .
The commission noted it hac
acted on this view by making
comparatively large recommen.
dations for the Norfolk division
of the College Of William anc
MARY, Richmond professional
. Institute, the Danville extension
, of VPI, and the Norfolk division
Of Virginia State College.
Another suggestion by thu
commission would have the Stat,
Iprovide scholarships to student.
of proved ability and need. send.
ing these students to private in.
situations approved by the STATE
Board Of Education. The Schol'
arships would be offered on 9
loan or service repayment basis
Such a scholarship policy BY
the State would encourage pri-
vate institutions to expand anc
help meet the need for more
college facilities generally al
less cost to the State, the com.
mission suggested.
! 1t concluded, too, that tuition
fees and other charges at State
supported colleges are probably
too low and should be increased
1t said the State apparently is
over substituting non Virginia
students at State institutions.
| Competition Found
In his minority report. Ralph
B. Douglass. Norfolk industrial
list, cited the higher education
situation as an example of costly
lack of coordination in Virginia S
State Government. Said Mr.
Douglass:
The State-supported colleges
maintain a costly system OF
competing with each other fol
students to take the same under
graduate and professional
courses. This costly system OF
duplication runs all through
higher education in Virginia and
lit will not be ended until there
lis q unified board Of control set
|up. :"
In a more general vein, Mr..
Douglass had another suggestion.
My observation Of State fiscal
policy leads me to the conclu-
sion that Virginia government
should have closer coordination
and control from the Governors
office," he said.
1T appears there is not now,
land there has not been for a