Earlier this month, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education released new updates to their higher education classifications designed to provide a way to measure how well universities enable student success and a path to a brighter economic future.
The new classification correlates strongly with the imperatives of our Future in Focus strategic plan and our dedication to ensuring that all of our students can pursue their dreams and build a better future for themselves, their families and their communities.
Specifically, the Carnegie Classifications now identify institutions within the Student Access and Earnings Classification that designates 479 schools as Opportunity Colleges and Universities. These are universities with a high degree of access — they welcome more learners from a wide range of backgrounds — that also see students graduating into high earning jobs.
Portland State gets a mixed grade with this new classification system. We’re among the best when it comes to access, but more middle-of-the road when it comes to earnings of our graduates. For comparison, Oregon State University gets high marks for earnings, but lower marks for accessibility. The University of Oregon, also has medium earnings, but lower access.
“We want this to be and be seen as higher education holding itself accountable for ensuring student access and success,” Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, told Inside Higher Ed in a recent interview.
I appreciate that perspective and applaud ACE and the Carnegie Foundation for developing a system that prioritizes student success and return on investment. I also know that Portland State has what it takes to join the ranks of the Opportunity Colleges and Universities in the future.
As I mentioned, becoming an Opportunity University under this new designation matches up with the first two strategic imperatives of our Future in Focus strategic plan.
We are working on building stronger partnerships with employers to ensure that we provide students vital connections with regional employers through experiential learning, research opportunities, and mentorship, opening opportunities for career exploration and skill development. We want to make sure that a degree from PSU opens doors for students to pursue a brighter future.
I’m proud to keep working on that promise with all of you and striving for the Opportunity designation.