MSU President Lou Anna Simon discussed the implications of a recent statewide education report at Tuesday's Faculty Council meeting.
The Cherry Commission, a group assembled by Gov. Jennifer Granholm, compiled a report of recommendations on how to double the number of Michigan residents with degrees or other credentials in 10 years.
"We are making people aware of the commission and are in the process of reviewing the recommendations," Simon said. "There is nothing very specific - we're seeing what is best for MSU."
One recommendation in the commission report is to "create a culture of entrepreneurship." Simon said this does not necessarily mean training more people in business.
"This is how one moves to use education in an innovative way," Simon said. "It means someone in liberal arts using their degree in an innovative way, to contribute to the economy."
The move toward innovation to help a sluggish economy is not something unique to Michigan, Simon said.
"This is playing out across America," Simon said. "It's a systemic problem, and we just have to work our way through it."
Another recommendation in the report is to make higher education universal. This means a shift in the attitude toward a college degree, Simon said.
"At least two years of college after high school is the new norm," Simon said. "There is an emphasis on other credentials - post-high school experiences to strengthen the economy."
The implications of the report for MSU will depend how much support the report garners from the governor, Acting Provost John Hudzik said.
"To the extent the report is taken seriously - it could really call on MSU to be as responsive as we can," Hudzik said. "In part, it's obligation - in part, it's a benefit to be as responsive as possible. We've got a job to do here to help the state, and we're a real resource for it."
Later in the meeting, Professor Emeritus Lester Manderscheid discussed the purpose of the newly created Faculty Voice Committee. The committee was created in October to increase faculty influence in administrative decisions.
To get feedback on how to accomplish its task, the committee is hosting an open forum at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 27 in room 306 of the Natural Resources Building.
