MnSCU aims to find efficiencies in sprawling system

New MnSCU chancellor
New MnSCU chancellor Steven Rosenstone addresses attendees of his installation ceremony at the Capitol in St. Paul, Minn. Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011.
MPR Photo/Jeffrey Thompson

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, or MnSCU, is working on a plan to change its organizational structure and practices. The idea is to reduce some of the traditional autonomy enjoyed by its individual institutions in favor of a more efficient, coordinated approach.

The system comprises 31 state universities and community and technical colleges, which serve more than 400,000 students. We speak with one of the leaders of the effort.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MnSCU REORGANIZATION:

A MnSCU for all Minnesotans
At the instigation of Chancellor Steven Rosenstone, three task forces broadly representative of MnSCU constituencies have produced a wide-ranging series of recommendations for change, in draft form. ... External forces — pinched government funding, for-profit competition, free online courses, the under-preparation of potential students — are buffeting traditional public higher education in ways that will damage those who do not adapt. As Rosenstone has said of the process he started, "It's hard. But it would be harder to do nothing." (Editorial, Star Tribune)

Charting the Future
Read the draft of the reorganization plan.