Haas comments on higher education funding

President Thomas J. Haas issued the statement below to the Grand Valley community on February 21:

Higher education funding has been much in the news lately – some of the headlines have been accurate while others may have created misunderstanding. I’ve communicated directly with our students about these mixed messages and want to share that message with families as well. 

First, I want to say how relieved I am that – for the first time in more than a decade – policymakers in Lansing are discussing whether to increase appropriations to universities rather than to inflict upon our students yet another cut in state aid.

Governor Snyder’s budget proposal includes bonuses for universities that meet certain performance standards. The measures he suggests include increased degree production, degrees in certain academic areas (primarily science, technology, engineering, math, and health), support for student financial aid, and a record of tuition restraint. I am proud to report that of all 15 public university campuses, Grand Valley’s performance puts us in first place. Please bear in mind that the proposed bonus is one-time funding and that our current appropriation – cut last year by 15% -- would remain unchanged. The state legislature will begin consideration of this proposal soon. 

I am also heartened that Business Leaders for Michigan – a group of civic-minded business executives – has urged state leaders to return Michigan’s taxpayer support for higher education to its historic position as a Top-10 state. Unfortunately, Michigan has fallen into the group of Bottom-10 states – a dangerous place to be. An examination of Grand Valley’s funding demonstrates what this unwelcome development means to you. Of the 161 public universities around the country that are similar to us, Grand Valley’s appropriation per student is today fourth from the bottom. In Michigan, our state aid per student is at the absolute bottom – in spite of our high quality, successful performance, our efficiency, and keeping our tuition below the average of the Michigan public institutions.

These developments in Lansing follow President Obama’s recent speech at The University of Michigan in which he reminded state governments of their responsibility to adequately fund public universities. He warned the states that those falling behind could see reductions in federal student financial aid programs. The Michigan constitution holds our legislature accountable by clearly stating that lawmakers “shall appropriate moneys to maintain” public higher education institutions. While I welcome this discussion, it would be terribly unfair to penalize Pell Grant recipients because of actions not taken by state lawmakers. You can count on me to continue to speak on behalf of our students and their families as we collectively deal with the challenges of paying for higher education.

Thomas J. Haas

President, Grand Valley State University