Higher ed groups call for unity

By Jedd Rosche

Published Oct. 3, 2006

University and college leaders nationwide united to write a letter, calling for higher education leaders to take advantage of the recent attention given to them last week.

The cumulative team comprised six associations of higher education institutions, including the Association of American Universities, of which the UM system is a member.

"Events of the past year have placed higher education squarely in the center of the public debate over America's future competitiveness in the world economy," the letter stated.

The message demanded only those aware and involved with higher education affairs participate in decision-making.

"As policy discussions move forward, it is extremely important that we not be defined by those without a unique appreciation of our enterprise," the letter stated.

The leaders of each association signed the letter and asked to make higher education more affordable, internationalize students' experiences and prepare high school students better for the challenges of college.

The letter preceded Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings' release of her plan of action last week, which demanded that colleges and universities be more accountable for tracking academic progress. That would bring at least part of the No Child Left Behind Act to the college level.

"To expand access to higher education, we must better prepare our students -starting with high standards and accountability in our public schools," Spellings stated in a news release published the day after the associations' letter. "These principles are the pillars of No Child Left Behind. And let me assure you — NCLB is going strong."

AAU spokeswoman Ann Speicher said her organization was aware of Spellings' remarks before they were released.

"We knew what the report was going to say," Speicher said. "The six organizations developed a call to action."

Speicher said the associations decided to work together because they had a stronger voice.

The five other associations included the American Association of Community Colleges, American Association of State Colleges and Universities, American Council on Education, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges.