North Dakota University System Demonstrates Responsiveness to State Needs
BISMARCK, N.D. - BISMARCK, N.D. - North Dakota University System colleges and universities are performing very well when measured by the accountability standards established by the Legislative Assembly, the State Board of Higher Education and the Roundtable on Higher Education, according to a report presented at today's SBHE meeting at North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D.
"The North Dakota University System is deeply committed to meeting - and exceeding - the expectations of the people and state of North Dakota," said Bill Goetz, NDUS chancellor. "The 2009 Accountability Measures Report includes 33 measures of the system's responsiveness to state needs and addresses important issues such as affordability, accessibility, fiscal responsibility, academic quality and responsiveness to the private sector. The University System has made remarkable progress since accountability measures reporting began in 2001, and we will continue on this path of service to our state."
Now in its 10th year of publication, the annual accountability measures report was created to respond to expectations set forth in 2001 legislation and updated in each subsequent legislative session. Passage of Senate Bill 2003 signaled that the NDUS can and should play a larger role in enhancing the economic and social vitality of North Dakota. Referred to as the "flexibility with accountability" legislation, it empowered the NDUS to act more entrepreneurially and, at the same time, provided consensus on what the system would be held accountable for.
"The 11 colleges and universities that make up the North Dakota University System perform very well when compared to other states and national standards," said Richie Smith, president of the State Board of Higher Education. "A separate report also shows that we have one of the most productive state systems of higher education in the nation. Clearly, North Dakotans can be very proud of our university system.
"The past decade has been one of tremendous accomplishment, but State Board of Higher Education members and University System officials understand there's always room for improvement," Smith said. "We are committed to the delivery of high-quality education and enhancing the state's economic and social vitality. The annual accountability measures report is one measurement tool by which we will continue to evaluate the University System's progress toward achieving this dual mission."
