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Message from WICHE Chair Don Carlson

As we address higher education needs this year, it is true that we need to "stay the course" – on access, financial aid, and student exchange – through WICHE’s programs. However, given the problems most Western states are facing, growth and possible expansion in some areas will be necessary.

Most states can anticipate demographically justified growth in student numbers through at least 2008. Can we "think outside the box" to solve the numbers problem, at the same time recognizing that these numbers may be reduced in 20 years? What is the role of distance learning in this? What role are private universities and proprietary schools going to play in meeting this demand with needed curriculum (and, at the same time, filling their unused capacity)? What is higher education’s role in workforce training – in satisfying the employment requirements of the 21st century? Should money for financial aid follow the student after secondary school – no matter where the student goes?

Many states are also questioning how they can best deal with the remedial issues of students who graduate from high school but can't get into college – or even get a good job in our increasingly technological economy. On the other side of the coin, they’re also looking at how they can encourage students to progress through college as quickly as possible, using college-in-high-school programs like Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate, as well as state initiatives like Washington’s Running Start. Regionally, we’re looking at how to ensure that credits for these and other programs are accepted at institutions across state lines. In fact, transfer and articulation – between our states and within them, and between community colleges, proprietary schools, and four-year colleges – are major issues in the West.

We are fortunate in having an outstanding professional staff at WICHE, headed by David Longanecker. I am sure they would be available to any commissioner or member state to provide suggestions or assistance regarding higher education in the future. Good luck in each state endeavor as we proceed during this challenging time.

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