Perry addresses accessibility, funding, achievement
Eastern continues to be a place of access for students, said Eastern Illinois University President Dr. William Perry at the State of the University address on Wednesday.
During his speech, Perry addressed the struggles and achievements of the university. Perry gave testimony to the pride he holds in the school, its students, and its faculty, commending the accomplishments of the past as well as what can be done to improve for the future.
On the subject of student’s responses to their experiences at Eastern, Perry cited data from the National Survey of Student Engagement and the Survey of Collegiate Learning Assessment.
“79 percent of our first-year students believe EIU has a substantial commitment to their academic success. That percentage needs to be higher,” Perry said.
Other issues that continue to impact the school and its population is the budget. The state general revenue funding was cut by $3 million for the 2011 fiscal year.
During the post address question and answer session, the issue of funding was further discussed. John Allison, professor of English and President of the University Professionals of Illinois EIU chapter, said that if the determination of the distribution of funding by the state is dependent on retention and graduation rates, then Eastern is ahead of the curve.
The Commission of Higher Education and others have some concern that the lack in funding could potentially make higher learning less accessible. “It’s a well-meaning group of people, but some members who don’t have direct experience in higher education will benefit from those in higher education,” said Allison.
While new challenges and adjustments are dealt with, Perry said the university is continuing and enhancing a legacy of excellence, citing the excellent media relations and community service by students have received positive response.
Mel Boydston can be reached can be reached at 581-7942
or mmboydston@eiu.edu.
Perry addresses accessibility, funding, achievement
President William Perry responds during the question and answer session after his state of the university address. (Jordan Boner
