The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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June 22, 2008

Our View: The more info about MnSCU, the better

It’s apt that when you visit the Web site, you click on “Accountability.” You are then able to look at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities’ new dashboard that tracks performance of the system’s 32 colleges and universities on 10 key measures.

Early indications point to the dashboard as a valuable tool to help shed light on what works and what doesn’t at the institutions in the system, including Minnesota State University and South Central College in Mankato.

At first glance, the question arises about why MnSCU officials would want to take a chance and measure their competency in broad daylight. Wouldn’t it be easier to hide the information in case some of it isn’t very complimentary?

But unveiling information, warts and all, also makes MnSCU more of a straightforward, honest and reputable place to shop for an education.

That’s right, shop. Students have a plethora of higher-education choices these days, from online universities to private schools that are offering lower-income students a reduced or even free education. To be competitive, Minnesota has to show off its strengths as well as honestly reveal its weaknesses.

MnSCU Chancellor James McCormick explained why the university system developed the dashboard: “Taxpayers are increasingly skeptical of state universities and colleges. The dashboard will be a visible means of displaying our commitment.”

For example, the dashboard, when completed, will measure 10 key areas: net tuition and fees as percent of median income, student persistence and completion, related employment of graduates, licensure exam pass rates, percent change in enrollment and condition of facilities.

The dashboard assigns one of three categories to each indicator — gold for “exceeds expectations,” blue for “meets expectations” and red for “needs attention.”

Not only should students pay attention to the dashboard, but state officials and lawmakers should be aware of the measurements of the publicly funded system. Tuition and fees as a percent of median income, which seeks to measure affordability, is the only indicator at a systemwide level in the “needs attention” category.

Because MnSCU is publicly subsidized, the accountability is important to more than students and faculty. The dashboard is a positive step in making sure the public is getting the information it deserves.

The dashboard is available online at www.mnscu.edu.

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