UT Dean Rejects "Seven Solutions" in New Report
Update, 5:30 p.m.: Not surprisingly, Diehl's report has met with criticism from proponents of the "seven breakthrough solutions." Even Gov. Rick Perry's team has weighed in.
"University faculty and their allies should join the reform efforts and recommend ways to innovate, improve graduation rates, and enhance accountability and efficiency at Texas colleges and universities," said Perry spokesman Mark Miner. "We all have an obligation to meet the needs of Texas students, employers, taxpayers and our fast-growing economy. Resisting reform and accountability is an unsustainable recipe for mediocrity and stagnation."
The Texas Coalition for Excellence in Higher ...
Comments (19)
Cesar Martinez Espinosa via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Perry's demagoguery ability has truly no limits. What a total disgrace for Texas he is.
Maité Landa via Texas Tribune on Facebook
True. And Perry is the least accountable person in the state of Texas. Ironic isn't it? (Look at our education ranking.)
Cathy Schechter via Texas Tribune on Facebook
You have to be kidding? PERRY spokesperson said that? Hypocrisy knows no end...
Bambi Clark via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I so wish Rick would just disappear...
T D
"Resisting reform and accountability is an unsustainable recipe for mediocrity and stagnation."
We could solve all our budget problems if we taxed people using the word "unsustainable" as meaning "things I don't like."
Susan Inez Aulds via Texas Tribune on Facebook
He oughta know!
Gary Skaggs via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Somehow this quote was mangled. I believe the Perry spokesman quote was actually "Resisting cronyism and control is an sustainable recipe for Academic excellence and World-class graduates."
But, hey, I'm only a hick from Southeastern Oklahoma, so what do I know, perhaps he did say that?
Bill Bush via Texas Tribune on Facebook
"Embracing faux 'reform' and 'accountability' while avoiding real accountability is a recipe for mediocrity and stagnation... and re-election"
William Pate
I can't believe we're taking anything that came from TPPF seriously.
Tim Hurst via Texas Tribune on Facebook
No, Rik Perry is the recipe for mediocrity and stagnation. This group of bitter old white men will ruin a great undergrad and research University given the chance. They will turn The University of Texas into a Georgia or worst yet, oklahoma.
Sam White
"Resisting reform and accountability is an unsustainable recipe for mediocrity and stagnation." Resisting, unsustainable, mediocrity and stagnation - a string of keywords that describe the Perry administration.
Philip Harris
This "circle the waggons" mentality of so called "leaders" is sickening. If they spent half the time they spend forming coalitions and attacking Jeff Sandefer and Rick Perry, then the board of regents could come up with real solutions to increase quality and lower costs. As it is, it appears they would rather score political points, while graduates of Texas Universities rack up record debt.
Wilkins Micawber
I would return Michael Quinn Sullivan's question to him, to the Sandefers, and to the Texas Public Propaganda Front:
Every time you foist one of your private policy initiatives on the UT System, you expect everyone to drop what they are doing and snap to attention. How much time and effort do YOU think this has cost the university, and how much of it are YOU going to recompense the university?
If you are so convinced that these seven "solutions" are a breakthrough, why not implement them at your own privately owned and operated business school- the Acton MBA?
If your ideas have the market value you think they do, won't people beat a path to your door?
If you think that UT Austin should be able to develop a four-year degree program for $10,000, why don't you lead the way?
According to your website, a one-year Acton MBA costs $49,500.
Jennifer E.
TPPF, Michael Sullivan, Sandefer, and Perry combined know just about as much about higher education in Texas as RuPaul does about college football. For any of them to think they have the right answer is sheer nonsense.
Lauren Pierce
Not a fan of TPPF's 7 solutions? Fine, then come up with your own solutions to the fact that college tuition is increasing at a ridiculous rate. Where is UT's answer to the problem? Or are we simply too busy condemning third party solutions?
Jennifer E.
Lauren, it's clear you haven't ever looked at UT's website, read Diehl's report, or anything else for that matter.
Before suggesting "solutions" its best to know what the problems are.
What are the problems? Can you identify them?
Philip Harris
Jennifer maybe you should read Lauren's comment before criticizing her for not reading anything. She clearly points out that skyrocketing costs is the problem, and solutions are desperately needed.
Jennifer E.
Philip, she continues to argue that UT has offered no solutions. That claims is false no matter how many times she says it. The truth is that the solutions and suggestions are out there and have been out there for years. And now, given a new document in response to TPPF "solutions," she still claims UT has offered nothing.
Rising tuition is a problem. The chief cause of rising tuition is the lack of state funding. Tuition now covers more of UT's budget than state funding does. That was not the case 10 years ago.
Ultimately, no one forces a student to pay high tuition. If you do not want access to world class scholars, you can go to other colleges. The choice belongs to the student. There are plenty of Texas students who go to UT because it is a great, cheaper alternative to private schools and Ivies.
Mary Lynn VanZandt Neill via Texas Tribune on Facebook
If one doesn't use enough Bay leaf or shrimp seasoning,you're screwed,too.Mediocracy and stagnation?? Add stupidity,vainglory,and a bleached smile and yes,even YOU can dine with the Guv...if you can find him.