Suggestions gone awry

A recent study indicated that IU and Purdue University must become more focused on graduate education and research, and reduce the number of undergraduates accepted into the universities. The study was conducted by an independent panel appointed by the state legislature, the Indiana Daily Student reported Nov. 12. While this will give Indiana institutes of higher education a bit more prestige in the national stage, this move, which smacks of elitism, just doesn't make sense for IU. Our advice? Build up graduate programs, research and the strength of the regional campuses, but don't do it at the expense of what IU does best: providing undergraduate education. \nThe study's recommended a shift of bachelor degrees catered to the economies of their corresponding regional campuses is troubling because of the focus on "regional economies." The state has high expectations for IU in relation to economic development. If we focus on regional economies and churn out Ph.D.s for jobs that Indiana doesn't have yet, won't we end up right back where we started? \nNor does this make sense in the fiscal world of the University itself. Sweeping changes in research and graduate programs require money and -- let's not kid ourselves -- a good deal of our tuition income comes from undergraduates. If we reduce the number of undergrads we bring in, naturally that means less money. How are these changes supposed to be funded if we're undercutting one of our major sources of income?\nWe're not against the implementation of the study's recommendations - because we're resistant to change; we're against it because it doesn't make sense for IU.