Universities criticize funding disparities; New proposals heighten tensions between Big Three and others

GRAND RAPIDS -- Competition or collaboration?

That's the question Grand Valley State University President Thomas Haas asked Friday in his appeal to keep all 15 of the state's public universities together on one funding bill.

Whether to split off the big three universities -- the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Wayne State University and Michigan State University -- from the other 12 for funding purposes "is the wrong question to spend time on," Haas told the Senate Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee at Calvin College. "Instead, we should be talking about how to enhance collaboration among all 15 campuses."

Haas, Ferris State University President David Eisler and University of Michigan-Flint Acting Chancellor Jack Key presented testimony to four members of the subcommittee: Republicans Tony Stamas of Midland and Bill Hardiman of Kentwood, and Democrats Jim Barcia of Bay City and Glenn Anderson of Westland.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm has asked legislators to create a separate funding bill for the big three universities. The three say a split, which could lead to additional funding for them, is warranted because they are committed to innovation and research, which is more expensive and more likely to spur economic development.

The idea has created tension between the largest universities and the others. U-M, MSU and WSU already receive 57 percent of the state money earmarked for the 15 universities, yet produce only one-third of the graduates, the smaller schools have said.

Eisler pointed out to the subcommittee that GVSU and FSU are the fastest-growing universities in the state. He suggested revisions that would reward universities for attracting more students. Under the current funding system "we are punished for growth," he said.

Haas agreed.

"For a government that is cash-strapped, college graduates are the best hope for the future. Business and industry will come to where the talent is," he said.

After the hearing, Hardiman said he is leaning toward rejecting the idea of a separate funding bill.

"The existing structure works," he said.