<p>Blech, the idea of privatizing the university is so illogical and unlikely that it's not even worth debating. The fact that this was printed in a Michigan Daily article/editorial should be a tip-off that it's a pretty stupid idea.</p>
<p>I'm for it, but I'm OOS so that's why...</p>
<p>Mary Sue Coleman made a statement not long ago why she believed that U-M should remain a public university. Can someone provide a link to that?</p>
<p>I personally think Michigan should remain public and offer discounted, in-state tuition to residents of the state of Michigan. This said, I think that in-staters should make up a significantly smaller percentage of the undergraduate student population. The state provides the University with $300 million annually. That's roughly 7% of Michigan's operating budget. Even if you look at non-Medical, non-research budget, it still accounts for only 20% of the University's operating budget. That is why I think it is only fair, and in the best interest of the University AND the state, that in-staters should only make up 20% of the undergraduate student population. Financially, the University would be better off, the quality of the student body would improve, the student body would be smaller, which means that the resources of the university will not be spread as thinly and overall, the University would improve, thereby providing in-staters with a better state university.</p>
<p>Honestly, if you don't live in Michigan your opinion doesn't mean a whole lot...</p>
<p>By the way, the UC's are cutting their overall class size by six percent this year because they don't have enough money, either. Berkeley and Merced will grow (not much), but all of the others will drop their freshman class sizes. Also, they're letting in more out of state and international students.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Berkeley and Merced will grow (not much), but all of the others will drop their freshman class sizes. Also, they're letting in more out of state and international students.
[/quote]
Any official news release from the UC's?</p>
<p>Chinaismine, alumni have every right to express their opinion, regardless of where they live. In-staters pay taxes, out of staters pay OOS tuition. Either way, alums have a right to express themselves.</p>
<p>I didn't say that you don't have the right to express your views. What I said is that if you are not a resident of the state of Michigan than your views are not relevant, since this is an issue regarding the laws and constitution of the state of Michigan.</p>
<p>I hear you chinaismine. Personally, I think Michigan's identity as a public university is a source of pride and strength. The University should never let that legacy slip away. All I am saying is that the make-up of the student body needs to change significantly.</p>
<p>I read it in the LA Times.</p>
<p>UC</a> cuts freshman enrollment for fall by 6% - Los Angeles Times</p>
<p>They even provided a nifty chart!</p>
<p>Notice psychoeycho that Berkeley and UCLA are not really being altered that much. That was my point on another thread that the top flagships schools would be affected the least.</p>