Dive Summary:
- The Michigan Legislature's Thursday approval of a measure allowing community colleges to offer bachelor's degrees in energy production, maritime technology, cement technology and culinary arts was important to some of the state's community colleges, but Grand Rapids Community College says it won't change how they operate.
- GRCC, one of the two largest community colleges in the state, says it is remaining neutral as a result of partnerships and transfer agreements it has with nearby universities, and students going baccalaureate are taking their skills "to a whole different level."
- Opponents of the legislation say that it violates the state's constitution, would raise costs and will hurt relationships between universities and community colleges, but Michael Boulus, executive director of Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan, says he is unsure of what the group's next move is.
From the article:
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Community colleges could begin offering bachelor’s degrees in several areas under legislation approved Thursday by the Michigan Legislature. The legislation, approved by a narrow margin late Thursday in the state Senate, now heads to Gov. Rick Snyder for approval. ...