Gov. JB Pritzker has offered a proposal that would allow some community colleges to offer four-year baccalaureate degrees. The goal, according to the governor’s office, would be to make four-year degrees more accessible to working adults, particularly those who don’t live near a public university.
Carl Sandburg College President Seamus Reilly joined WGIL's Jay Redfern and Tyler Gumm on Galesburg's Morning News to offer some local perspective on the topic.
- These are not typical bachelor's degrees. Reilly said they tend to be applied bachelor's degrees—in other words four years of study at a community college which are focused on specific industry needs and often and almost always degrees which would not be offered at typical four-year university.
- They are designed to address specific employer needs, filling niche skill gaps.
- Examples mentioned include respiratory therapy and cybersecurity.
- The goal is to focus on "managerial skills critical thinking skills applied skills that would apply to our industry."
Reilly notes the proposal is in its early stages; legislation needs to be established.
The Sandburg president also addresses enrollment trends, plans for a new student center and athletic convention center, and transportation challenges faced by students.
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