UM System Review Commission Report released

The University of Missouri System Review Commission released its report Thursday.

The commission was formed by state lawmakers to review and make recommendations to address problems within the four-campus system. Its first meeting was held in July 2016.

In its 20-page report, the eight-member commission divided itself into four groups to focus on specific areas.

Governance, Accountability and Administrative Agility: The commission stressed occupational diversity, along with race and gender, is a critical step for appointing the next system curators.

Workforce Readiness, Program Analytics and Articulation: The commission noted the system should be allowed to set cost and degree program values by having differential tuition. They argue this would allow more faculty and staff for programs and areas that require expensive lab equipment and guidance.

Diversity, Title IX, Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom: “One thing that this commission noted was the absence of the student voice along the way in several aspects of standing committees or decision making,” the report stated. The commission acknowledged students don’t spend extended lengths of time on campus, but because issues directly impact them, every effort should be made to include input from them.

The commission also lamented the lack of clear data related to diversity. The report said “the frustration of this committee has been taht the data related to issues of diversity has not been accesible in one concise report.” It recommended putting together clear reports that would be accessed by parents and students alike.

Research, Extension and Distance Learning/e-learing: The commission recommended the system hire and expand programs in departments with a proven track-record. Also, use academic analytics and similar approaches to measure departments.

ABC 17 News will have a complete breakdown of the report tonight on ABC 17 News at 9 on FOX 22, KQFX and at 10 on KMIZ.