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Mid-Term Review of The Illinois Commitment

Assessment of Achievements, Challenges, and Stakeholder Opinions

Illinois Board of Higher EducationApril 13, 2004

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Overview

Analysis of achievements to date and key challenges facing Illinois higher education in the next five years

Interviews and meetings with key stakeholders within and outside of the higher education community

Web-based survey

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Goal 1: Economic Development

Major

Achievements

A high proportion of Illinois undergraduates are employed or enrolled in further education within one year of graduation

Illinois ranks 7th in the nation in attracting R & D funds

Key Challenges

Attracting and retaining the intellectual capital necessary to help the state remain competitive in the “new economy”

Maintaining a balance between the liberal arts and workforce preparation

Stakeholder Opinions

67% surveyed indicate Illinois higher education has been at least moderately effective in meeting this goal

Despite progress since 1999, concerns remain about workforce development, research capacity, and technology transfer

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Goal 2: P-16 Partnerships

Major

Achievements

Establishment of the Illinois Century Network and the Illinois Virtual High School

Significant increase in dual credit/dual enrollment courses

Development of the Associate of Arts in Teaching

Key Challenges

Preparing all Illinois educators to meet the needs of a growing and diverse K-12 population

Addressing the college readiness gap

Stakeholder Opinions

63% surveyed indicate Illinois higher education has been at least moderately effective in addressing this goal

Despite recognized progress in this area, some believe higher education can and should play a stronger role in K-12 school improvement

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Goal 3: Affordability

Major

Achievements

Recommendations of the Committee on Affordability

ISAC’s creation of the “College Zone” serves as a comprehensive planning resource for students and families

Key Challenges

Implementing the 20 recommendations established by the Committee on Affordability

Successfully addressing increasing demands on MAP and other need-based aid programs within the context of limited fiscal resources

Stakeholder Opinions

Survey respondents indicate Illinois has been the least effective in addressing this goal

Many see maintaining college affordability as the highest priority for the future of Illinois higher education

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Goal 4: Access & Diversity

Major

Achievements

Establishment of the University Center of Lake County, Illinois Century Network, Illinois Virtual Campus, Illinois Community Colleges Online, and the Illinois Articulation Initiative

Key Challenges

Enhancing college participation for all Illinoisans

Responding effectively to changing state demographics to ensure access to a college education for all students

Increasing diversity among students, faculty, and staff

Stakeholder Opinions

64% indicate Illinois higher education has been at least moderately effective in addressing this goal

Improving access for underserved students and smoothing educational transitions are seen as high priorities for the future

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Goal 5: High Expectations & Quality

Major

Achievements

Sharing institutional “best practices” in the assessment of student learning outcomes through statewide Assessment Conferences

Key Challenges

Improving the assessment of student learning and the comprehensiveness of learning outcomes data

Maintaining quality programs within limited fiscal resources

Stakeholder Opinions

66% indicate Illinois higher education has been at least moderately effective in addressing this goal

Stakeholders believe that improvements in the quality of programs and services have been made since 1999

Concerns remain about the ultimate impact of fiscal constraints on educational quality

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Goal 6: Productivity & Accountability

Major

Achievements

Reducing administrative and support costs by 18.4% at Illinois public universities since Fiscal Year 2002

Implementing annual “Results Report” and performance indicators

Key Challenges

Continued reallocation of funds to high priority activities consistent with state needs and institutional mission

Working with all stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of higher education accountability mechanisms

Stakeholder Opinions

Survey respondents indicate Illinois higher education has been the most effective in meeting this goal

Some believe that higher education can do more to demonstrate good stewardship of resources

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Overall Findings

Illinois’ system of higher education has made progress in many of the areas initially established by The Illinois Commitment in 1999

A majority of stakeholders indicate that the state’s strategic plan has been effective overall and the six goals continue to have value for the future

Several challenges and opportunities were identified that will be key to Illinois higher education’s continued success

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Summary of Stakeholder Suggestions Retain the existing six goals, but recognize that

priorities among them will change

More prominently reflect higher education’s contribution to the overall quality of life for Illinois residents

Enhance communication of, and “buy in” to, The Illinois Commitment

Enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of accountability mechanisms

Clarify the primary purpose of The Illinois Commitment

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Next Steps

A preliminary list of potential refinements to The Illinois Commitment will be presented to the Board for discussion at the June 2004 meeting

Following the June meeting, the higher education community and other key stakeholders will be asked to provide input on these refinements

Final recommendations will be presented to the Board at the August 2004 meeting