Higher ed à la California

RE: AUG. 4 editorial on higher education

Let us adopt, with proper adaptations, the model of California’s higher education system, so successful there and in several other states. Briefly:

One single system of higher

■ education in NM;

A single board of regents, elected

■ statewide in a non-partisan fashion. We have a very rich source of scientists, educators, engineers, economists and bankers who can provide meaningful guidance to our higher education. Terms of service will be staggered, to provide continuity.

A chancellor for the system, elected

■ by the board of regents with the advice of faculty representatives statewide. Terms of tenure: no more than two successive four-year appointments.

A president for each campus,

■ appointed by the chancellor with the advice of the faculty. Terms: same as the chancellor.

Three research campuses: UNMA

■ at Albuquerque; UNMS at Socorro; UNMLC at Las Cruces.

All other campuses designated NM

■

State University at (name of city).

Tightened, fully coordinated course ■ offerings to avoid duplication, especially at the graduate levels, thus providing budgetary and transitional advantages.

Easy? No. Doable? Definitely yes. SCHLOMO KARNI UNM professor emeritus Albuquerque