Matthew Perdue

Ray

By now you’ve probably heard the growing buzz surrounding Measure 3, but do you know what this legislation really does? As a student at Dickinson State University, I’ve worked to understand the implications of the measure and have realized the negative impacts it would have on my fellow students and me.

In eliminating the State Board of Higher Education, Measure 3 would also eliminate student representation from the governance of higher education. This loss of representation is something that students strongly oppose. Not only are we the central purpose of higher education, but student tuition and fees provided 44.2 percent of all NDUS operating revenues in 2013. We deserve a voice in the decision-making process.

The proposed model for higher ed governance laid out in Measure 3 has also never been implemented in any U.S. state. This will raise some serious accreditation questions for every North Dakota institution. It’s very possible that the HLC will place sanctions on the entire system. Even if accreditation is upheld, the turmoil resulting from sanctions will undoubtedly lead to a decrease in enrollment and have a significant negative impact on NDUS revenues.

Finally, Measure 3 would remove the purposes of the institutions from the North Dakota Constitution. Proponents of the measure may tell you that the institutions are protected by the proposed new language, but don’t let them fool you. By removing the purposes of the institutions, the Legislature would have the power to dramatically restructure the university system without the prior consent of the voters.

Students from across the state oppose Measure 3, and you will be hearing more from of us as November draws nearer. Listen to our voices; we’re counting on you, the voters, to make an educated and responsible decision in the best interests of North Dakota’s current and future students.