Public Higher Education for Adult Learners the Focus of USNH Study

May 20, 2004 - Durham -With a principal focus on improving access to, and the quality and affordability of, associate and baccalaureate programs and specialized education for the adult learners of the state, the University System of New Hampshire (USNH) Board of Trustees continues to study the impact of a proposal to reorganize the College for Lifelong Learning (CLL) from a stand-alone institution to a constituent college of Plymouth State University.

"Our only intent is to meet the needs of our students in the most efficient and effective manner possible," said USNH Chancellor Stephen Reno . "The recommended change in status for CLL is being evaluated against our expectations of further enhancing the quality of the education we offer adult learners and place-bound students around the state.

Regardless of the outcome of the study currently underway, students should be confident that they can continue on their academic path without disruption. They should expect to receive high quality and value in their education. "What CLL does, is not going away," said Vice-Chairman Andrew Lietz. "In fact, we are looking for ways to make the adult learner experience even better."

CLL has been the driving force in offering educational opportunities to adult learners in New Hampshire since 1972. The Trustees remain committed to CLL's unique mission and to meeting the particular needs of the state's adult learners. The proposal calls for delivery of programs and services to continue through a community-based state-wide network of learning centers and increased emphasis in on-line programs. In addition, students should expect tuition for the next academic year to remain at its present.

The discussion of the future of CLL is part of a strategic planning effort, initiated by the Board, which has been underway for the last 18 months. "Our principal objective is to maximize our combined resources to serve all our students," added Chancellor Reno. "This particular recommendation is truly driven by a desire to be innovative and resourceful in the investment of scarce dollars to deliver needed educational programs," he concluded. Trustees have been adamant that the study be complete, unbiased and sharply focused. To that end, the Board has established a special ad hoc Trustee committee, chaired by Trustee Lietz, whose charge is to assess carefully and fully soundness and effect of such a plan. "If we are able to enhance the quality of education we're offering adult learners across the state, there may be reasons to go forward," said Lietz.

The Board has very carefully crafted a list of questions that need to be addressed when studying this proposal, including such important areas as financial impact, programmatic impact; and human resource concerns. Any savings realized in the end, will be re-invested to enhance the educational opportunities of the state's adult learners.

The Board of Trustees will not make a decision until is Annual Meeting on June 24.

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