Northwestern Michigan College has taken a sensible, been-there, done-that attitude toward a state House proposal that would allow community colleges to offer four-year degrees in select areas. The legislation would permit community college degree programs in areas where supporters say there is a "workforce need."
The four program areas are nursing, cement technology, maritime technology and culinary arts. Naturally enough, NMC is considering maritime technology and nursing -- maritime technology because NMC already has one of only six maritime academies in the nation, and nursing because of strong and continuing local demand and the success of NMC's existing nursing program.
The bill has passed out of a House committee and hearings are expected soon. Backers say they're confident the legislation will pass but it will have to withstand a concerted attack by many of Michigan's four-year colleges.
The big boys argue that the legislation will simply allow CCs to compete with four-year schools that are already desperate for funding. They also say there's no compelling reason to allow the expansion.
Community college officials say they have no intention of asking the Legislature for money for the programs; they'll simply charge tuition as needed to support them.
Additionally, community college-based programs have the ultimate advantage of place, the thing that has set them apart since their inception. Students don't have to live in a dorm hundreds of miles away and pay expensive room and board fees on top of their tuition; they can live at home, work and go to school all at the same time. That's reason enough to allow some limited exceptions.
The maritime degree makes the most sense, of course. NMC already partners with Ferris State University to offer additional classes that complete the existing maritime program. NMC has the buildings, the ship and the other specialized equipment to offer a degree program; expanding it just makes sense.
It also has a successful, existing nursing program that would not have to be created from the ground up, simply upgraded.
NMC officials are adamant that this is not a precursor. When asked, "Do you want to be a four-year university," NMC President Tim Nelson has a succinct answer: "No." He says the House package will simply allow NMC to offer baccalaureate degrees "that fit into the needs of the area."
That makes sense and, further, reflects the common-sense approach NMC and every other college or university in Michigan must take. The state does not have the money to go around creating new programs just to do it.
But as NMC officials have said, these are "select areas directly related to our economy" and will help people find jobs and careers. It should be a no-brainer.
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