OSA opposes restructure

Though most seem to agree that higher education in Oregon needs more funding, how to fix the problem is cause for disagreement.

The Oregon Student Association, an advocacy group representing over 100,000 students in public universities across the state, has formulated a stance and a document of guiding principals in opposition to the proposed financial restructuring of several Oregon University System schools.

“Right now, we feel there is a problem but we don’t think restructuring is the best way to fix the system,” said Katie Markey, ASPSU interim legislative affairs director and board delegate.

The OSA’s stance and guiding principals on the proposed financial restructure are that it:
– Supports the setting of tuition and fees by the State Board of Higher Education and in the Oregon Legislature
– Opposes the deregulation of the statewide governance structure currently fulfilled by the State Board
– Opposes a public corporation model such as the one proposed in the Frohnmayer Report or any close derivative
– Supports securing a permanent state-funding source for post secondary education other than student tuition and fees
– Supports a minimum state funding level for all post secondary schools
– Supports a truly public mission in Oregon that ensures access to postsecondary education for all people in Oregon regardless of financial ability

 “As talks continue we can move and develop with them and we can revise our stances as more information regarding restructuring is available,” Markey said.

The ASPSU Senate will likely review the OSA’s stance and take some sort of action in response.

“There have been no proposals as of yet to solve this problem in Oregon or at Portland State, but discussions have begun and ASPSU is making sure that students will be represented throughout these talks,” said ASPSU Senator Selina Poulsen.