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Funding Higher Ed
Of the more contentious issues on state legislators' plates this session will be a new model for funding the state's three public universities.
The proposal is to replace the current funding formula, which is based on past funding, with a formula heavily influenced by enrollment figures.
Proponents of the model, approved by the Board of Regents last June, say it will better support Iowa's in-state students and more fairly distribute state resources between Iowa State University, The University of Iowa and The University of Northern Iowa. Critics argue the model will have negative consequences.
This week, three guest columnists share their views:
' Former Iowa Governor Robert Ray
' Kirkwood Board of Trustees member John Swanson
' Former Iowa Representative Nate Willems
Kim Mrkonich (from left), of Antioch, Illinois, Jason Mrkonich, 17, junior, of Antioch, Illinois, Ben Poss, 17, junior, of Johnston, Hailey Buzynski, 17, junior of West Des Moines, and Dawn Buzynski of West Des Moines, look around a suite style room in Eaton Residence Hall during a campus tour for prospective students at Iowa State University. (Stephen Mally/The Gazette)
Prospective students and parents make a stop at a dormitory room at Burge Hall during a campus tour in Iowa City. The university is getting more aggressive in recruiting as it tries to grow its student population. (Justin Wan/The Gazette)
A group of prospective students walk past the Old Capitol Building during a campus tour of University of Iowa in Iowa City. (Justin Wan/The Gazette)
Students walk into Marquis Hall at Coe College in Cedar Rapids. (Liz Martin/The Gazette)
Kourtney Krumm (right), Student Associate at Iowa State University Office of Admissions, talks about the Campanile as she helps lead a campus tour for prospective students at Iowa State University. (Stephen Mally/The Gazette)
Opinion content represents the viewpoint of the author or The Gazette editorial board. You can join the conversation by submitting a letter to the editor or guest column or by suggesting a topic for an editorial to editorial@thegazette.com
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