Finished Papers

• Enrollment Model Proposal Executive Summary (Winter 2007)
  

  Building a statewide enrollment model is a new undertaking for South Carolina.  Therefore, it is important to summarize the purpose, the methods, and the expected outcomes so that open discussions can take place and analysts can move forward with their work.

• A Closer Look: Appropriations to Higher Education 1982 - 2006 (Winter 2007)
  
  

  Public institutions of higher education have traditionally depended on state appropriations to subsidize the cost of educating students.  States vary somewhat in their methods for determining the amount of appropriations, but the majority of states rely upon a formula that allows for consistency across types of institutions and programs of study. 

• A Closer Look: State Governance Models (Summer 2006)
  
  

  Governor Sanford advocates for the reorganization of higher education governance, asking the General Assembly to replace the current regulatory coordinating board with a consolidated governing board.  Those with a vested interest in higher education should be informed of the significant changes this could require for the institutions as well as for the State. 

• Higher Education Strategic Plan Coordination Proposal (November 19, 2006)
  
  

  South Carolina lacks a cohesive and comprehensive vision for its education system.  Maintaining the status quo is not acceptable when the new economy calls for highly skilled workers, collaboration, and educational opportunities for citizens of all ages.  This is an opportune time for strong leadership and renewed efforts towards increased cooperation.  The call for a Strategic Plan for Higher Education is a move for more effective and coordinated government oversight of education, K-20, addressing the long-term needs of South Carolinians.

• Higher Education Strategic Plan: Proposed Leadership
  

  Selected experienced people would add much to the strategic planning process and implementation.  As noted in the Task Force Report, there is a broad range of issues to be considered, and accountability to the Plan’s final priorities must be considered.  Therefore, proposed membership on the Steering Committee includes representatives from across the State who are noted for their ability to plan as well as for their dedication to improving education.

• Creating a Tax Credit Program for College Degree Recipients: Building Young Talent in South Carolina
  
  The perception is that tuition levels at South Carolina’s public colleges and universities makes higher education unaffordable for too many of the State’s citizens. Lottery Scholarship levels have been consistent for the past several years, and there is no anticipated overall increase planned.
  
  
• Access to Higher Education:  Exploring the Variation among Research Universities in the Prevalence of Pell Grant Recipients (Summer 2007). 
  
  Working paper series, La Follette School of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin Madison.