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Submitted Remarks of Dave Tretter, President
Private College and University Advisory Committee
Illinois Board of Higher Education Meeting - February 5, 2008
The Private College and University Advisory Committee Remarks to the Illinois
Board of Higher Education, February 5, 2008
Presented by:
David W. Tretter
President
The Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities
Chairwoman Hightman, Executive Director Erwin, distinguished board members and staff:
Let me start off by stating that the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities is
supportive of the IBHE’s efforts to evaluate the state’s higher education system and the needs of
the state’s workforce, as requested by HJR 69. Many of us in higher education, and in the
legislature, have expressed concern about the need for a clear and concise plan for high
education that will maximize the return on state investment, and improve opportunities for
Illinois citizens.
I must admit that I was somewhat surprised when I learned that a letter soliciting contributions
for the planning exercise had been sent by the board to all of my members. The letter has created
some confusion about our sector’s role as both participants and supporters of the process.
However, you need to know that every President I have spoken to about the request has
expressed support for the Board and the Task Force’s activities. For reasons of both policy
integrity and long term utility in planning, I think we would all agree that this should be a
financial obligation of the state, but that unfortunately is not the fiscal environment we find
ourselves in today.
In recent years the Federation has supported important activities of the Board and the state’s
higher education community by paying a portion of our state’s MHEC dues, and by supporting
the Collegiate Artists Competition. We do value the important potential of the Task Force’s
recommendations, and the Federation plans to contribute its fair share in both dollars and staff
input.
Budget
The IBHE’s FY 2009 budget recommendations are of great interest not only to the public
universities and community colleges, but also to the institutions the Federation represents.
Your press release dated January 28, 2008 describes this proposed budget as one that meets the
needs of the “public higher education system,” but our state’s higher education system is much
larger than just the public institutions. This kind of description draws into question whether the
Board has a full understanding of the important role that independent colleges and universities
play in terms of providing quality higher education to Illinois residents. It’s no secret that our
biggest strength is in the competitive system of public and private institutions in the state, which
