PULLMAN, Wash.–Washington State University President Samuel Smith will participate in a Public Policy Conference on Affordability of Higher Education, May 29 at the Sea-Tac Occupational Skills Center in Seattle.
The 1-4 p.m. event will be convened by U.S. Sen. Patty Murray and is sponsored by the Washington Friends of Higher Education, the Council of Presidents, the Northwest Education Loan Association, and the U.S. Education Department. Smith will take part in a 1:45-3 p.m. panel discussion.
Smith believes one of the keys to social and economic success for the future of the state of Washington is access to affordable higher education.
“The foundation of our state and nation is education. Having public and private colleges and universities which are affordable for students of all ages is of paramount importance,” said Smith, who is a member of the prestigious Kellogg Commission on the Future of the State and Land-Grant Universities. Affiliated with the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, the commission is planning for change and improvement of state universities and land-grant colleges for the 21st century.
Earlier this month, the commission released a report, “Returning to our Roots: Student Access.” It calls on public higher education to re-examine or change admissions requirements, clarify course credit transfers and articulation policies, encourage diversity, and build new partnerships with public schools. It also says schools should focus on what students need to be successful in college, contain costs, increase financial aid and expand educational opportunities with technology. Smith chaired the committee that drafted the commission’s recommendations.
tm197-98
