I am not certain that all of those problems ought to be solved through the title III programs. I think that what you are asking for is a complete revision of the program. That my be something which ought to be considered, but I think it tends move away from the original intent of the program. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. FORD. Mr. Ratchford. Mr. RATCHFORD. Mr. Chairman, I think it would be helpful to this committee if we could have a response in writing, from either the panel collectively or the individual members, to the criticisms that were directed toward us in the form of a GAO report which focused, not on the individual institutions or the commitment in this country to providing opportunities for minority or disadvantaged students, but on the management of the program. Rather than eliciting a specific response, if, collectively, or individually, you could get to the committee your analysis of the GAO report, it would be helpful. The GAO report would lead us to believe that the program is without direction, that the program is without management, and that the program is without accountability. I am concerned, as someone who has been sensitive in this area and supportive for 4 years at the State level for this type of program, that unless the specific allegations of the report are addressed, we run the danger of seeing title III not revised but eliminated. So I would appreciate your written responses as people who are living with the day-to-day aspects of the program because we have a tough judgment to make in a very difficult economic climate with respect to reauthorization-yes or no. Then, once that question is addressed, we must decide what form reauthorization will take. So if you could, gentlemen, over the next several weeks, address yourselves to the GAO report, it would be most helpful because your testimony has been sensitive, your testimony has been thoughtful, and now we would like your thoughts as to how we can proceed with a strengthened program. Mr. BILLINGSLEY. Yes. Mr. RIVERA. Yes, sir, I will. Mr. FORD. I think it would be helpful also particularly, Mr. Rivera, if you would, in relation to our reconsideration of the TRIO programs during the hearings on title IV, take a look at the stated purposes of those programs, and see if there is not some appeal to that being a more appropriate approach to deal pragmatically with what you are talking about because some of the things in your statement that you would like to have done are stated in a statute, whether they appear that way or not, as the reasons for the programs. Mr. RIVERA. Yes, Mr. Chairman. We discuss that as a possibility. At this time, we feel that a cooperative effort from the way title III is structured now, supplemented by some of the types of resources that are made available through TRIO programs, may be an interesting combination. It would require a great deal of coordination, however, But I certainly will respond to your request. Mr. FORD. Thank you very much. I appreciate very much your help to the committee, and hope that you will be watching as we move through the other parts of the legislation, commenting on those as well. At this time, I call Dr. Byron Causey, president of the Alexander City State Junior College, and chairman of the Council of Alabama Junior College Presidents, representing all of the Alabama rural community colleges. Mr. Buchanan left for the full committee meeting where he has amendments to offer on the bill that is being marked up there at the moment. He will be back as soon as he gets a vote. STATEMENT OF W. BYRON CAUSEY, CHAIRMAN, COUNCIL OF ALABAMA JUNIOR COLLEGE PRESIDENTS, AND PRESIDENT OF ALEXANDER CITY STATE JUNIOR COLLEGE Mr. CAUSEY. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate the opportunity to appear before you this morning and the other members of the committee. I would like to make it a matter of record, that is, the appreciation of all of the higher education community in the great State of Alabama of the distinguished Congressman who happens to be the senior minority member on this committee. As I mentioned to you earlier this morning, we know that there is some pressure-and I will state that to entice Congressman Buchanan to change from postsecondary to elementary/secondary. I want you to know, and I think that Congressman Buchanan already knows, that we in higher education in the State of Alabama will resist any such move with all the effort we can. We think that he is in the perfect place, and we know that he represents us well. I submitted a brief written report. Mr. FORD. Without objection, the statement submitted under the rules of the committee will be printed in full at this point in the record, and you may proceed to add to it, comment on it, and highlight, as you wish. Mr. CAUSEY. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [The prepared statement of W. Byron Causey, chairman, Council of Alabama Junior College Presidents, and president of Alexander City State Junior College follows:] Presentation to U.S. House of Representatives by W. Byron Causey Chairman, Council of Alabama Junior College Presidents and President of Alexander City State Junior College Title III has been one of the most responsive institutional programs within the Higher Education Act. It has had a greater impact on the health of Alabama's two-year colleges than any other program. In the little over eight years that the public schools in Alabama have been eligible to participate in the Title III programs, 17 of the 19 that are currently eligible have participated in Title III activities. A total of over 16 million dollars has been received by the public two-year schools in Alabama. The Title III program has been beneficial not only in Alabama, but in schools throughout the nation. It has allowed the schools to bring about improvements in instruction, administration, and student services--improvements that otherwise could not have been achieved. Title III is the only program in higher education that funds such broadly based activities. We in the two-year colleges very much appreciate being able to participate in this program and feel that without it, many currently funded activities would be severely limited on our campuses. Currently there are many more schools making application to the program than can possibly be funded in the appropriation of 120 million dollars per year. We would like to see the authorization level be increased to be more consistent with the number of eligible applicants submitting high quality proposals. Additionally, in the current legislation there is a 24% set-aside for two-year institutions. I would recommend that this set-aside be increased to represent a percent equivalent to the ratio of undergraduate students enrolled in two-year institutions as compared to students enrolled in four-year institutions. (32%) Another recommendation that I would like to make has to do with the Advisory Council on Developing Institutions. The original legislation designates that the Advisory Council on Developing Institutions be established and consist of nine members. I would like to see that this council be increased in size to insure that proper regional representation is achieved and that the make-up continue to reflect the participation of the two-year colleges within the Title III Program. Two-year colleges have benefitted greatly from the Title III Program. Improvements in instructional services, administrative services, and student services have been accomplished--and these all function to bring about better educational opportunities for students. It is my sincere hope that the Title III Program will continue and that the two-year colleges may be able to continue to reap the benefits of the program. |