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LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Community College Association predicts it will win a legislative battle this week over allowing community colleges to offer baccalaureate degrees in specific areas, a spokesman told the Michigan Information & Research Service Inc. The move is opposed by four-year institutions, MIRS reported.
"This is the right time," said MCCA President Mike Hansen told MIRS.
The group wants to grant degrees in nursing, concrete technology, maritime technology and culinary arts, according to MIRS, but not in liberal arts, history or other specialized degrees.
"We need to open up access," Hansen told MIRS, saying there is a nursing shortage in Michigan.
According to Michigan Votes, House Bill 4837 was introduced by Rep. John Walsh on April 28, 2009, and was reported to the House on Nov. 5, 2009.
SOURCES:
Michigan Information & Research Service Inc., "Community
Colleges vs. Four-Years," Aug. 25, 2010 (Subscription required)
Michigan Votes, "House Bill 4837, Allow community college to grant certain bachelor's degrees," April 28, 2009
FURTHER READING:
Michigan Education Digest, "Tuition up, but so is
enrollment," July 14, 2010
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