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Frohnmayer Proposes Major Change For Oregon's Higher Ed System

BY ROB MANNING

Portland, OR  November 19, 2009 8:41 a.m.

Former University of Oregon president Dave Frohnmayer made an urgent plea for increased funding and greater indepedence for the state's universities.

Frohnmayer supports allowing the state's three largest public universities – Portland State, Oregon State, and University of Oregon – to become public corporations, like Oregon Health and Science University.

OHSU is in a unique position in the state because it can attract big money for medical research. But Frohnmayer says OHSU's autonomy has helped it raise outside money and cut costs.

Dave Frohnmayer: "No one is trying to clone OHSU and say that the model being used in the healthcare system is what we would use on the ground in Oregon. But every one of those institutions, PSU, OSU, and U of O, that once those restrictions are removed or lessened, I'm sure they'd make better use of taxpayer, student, and federal government dollars."

Frohnmayer made his case in a new white paper he wrote as a paid consultant to the university system chancellor.

The former UO president also calls for doubling the state's higher ed budget to $1.5 billion.

The governor's office says a panel studying possible overhaul of state government will take a look at Frohnmayer's suggestions.

© 2009 OPB

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Comments

November 20, 2009
12:21 p.m.
If only we could be sure those requested funds would really go to benefit the students and improve the lives of Oregonians. Unfortunately, I can tell you there is a single problem that will hemorrhage money from any institution that allows it, and that is workplace abuse. In my situation as an employee at the major urban university mentioned in this story, I saw a student assaulted by a co-worker, and I was subjected to screaming fits and tantrums that included profanity by this same co-worker. I spent countless hours at taxpayer's expense in pointless meetings that did nothing to address this person's violent behavior. I heard stories going back two decades of her abuse to students and co-workers, done with the full knowledge of the university administration. I was the third person in 2 years in that position. Turnover costs can be anywhere from 1.5 to 4.5 that person's salary, so you get some idea how much this costs the taxpayers. I have talked to dozens of other employees there who have been similarly treated. If the new president of this institution feels justified in requesting more money from the state, I suggest legislators insist he clean up his own house first.

— Posted by pambeaty

December 1, 2009
4:55 p.m.
Frohnmayer and his higher ed. recommendations should be ignored. His impact on Oregon education has been negative. His salary and UO tuition have skyrocketed while the academic mission at UO has been severely neglected.

— Posted by zachvish


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