With his Higher Education Reform Plan, I feel that Patton is trying to make a name for himself while taking away everything for which students have worked so hard. I feel that he is wrong and that his plan for community colleges will not work because he is not thinking about what he is doing to everyone in the community colleges. He has made up his mind, and he is trying to destroy our education. Roger Colinger Student, Cumberland campusreturn
I returned to college after 29 years of being out of school. I am finally able to fulfill a life-long dream, only to learn recently that my dream in a community college might be crumbled. Due to the fact that I still have a son in middle school, it would be impossible for me to transfer to a larger university. I feel Patton's plan will demolish the desire of all older students. My plan was to attend SECC for the next two years and give my son time to graduate from middle school. Not only does Patton's plan interfere with my family plans but also my education plans. I strongly oppose his plan, as I want the priviledge to get transferable credits with the UK symbol, and I want to be able to be there at the same time for my son. Patton threatens my future--he must be stopped. Janice Fulkerson Student, Cumberland campusreturn
Governor Paul Patton recently explained his ideas for reforming higher education. He discussed plans which involve dismantling present systems and finding and creating new entities. The only time he appeared somewhat irritated was the instance when a reporter asked about student health care and what would happen under the proposed system. Patton replied that people kept bringing up these "minutiae (unimportant details)" to bring down his suggestions. Well the details matter to me. My students in English 101 and 102 have to use the library to complete their writing assignments; the electronic card catalog is connected to the University of Kentucky. Many of our databases and our use of the Internet and other services come from UK. What will happen if we are no longer connected to UK? How much of the additional funding will go to replace what UK provides for us? How will my students complete their research if we are severed and not immediately connected to someone else's system or provided with our own materials? Our students transfer easily to UK after one or two years here at Southeast Community College. What about this detail? Our benefits, such as health insurance and retirement, are connected directly to UK. What will happen to these benefits? What happens every four years when a new governor is elected, and he or she chooses to replace all the people on the governing board? Patton, of all people, knows what happens in every county when a new judge is elected. All the jobs are changed: people are replaced, and these people "owe" the elected official and serve his or her interests. Is this detail not applicable to his plan? I cannot fight or support Patton's proposal because I do not know any of the details. I do know what I have now, so I must support remaining with UK. I understand his rationale, and I understand the scope of his plan. I just do now know how it will work day- to-day and how my students will be affected. I need these details. Otherwise, I cannot make an informed commitment to anything. Madeline Gibson Associate Professor, English Whitesburg campusreturn
AN OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNOR PAUL PATTON: You have your mind so made up on how to reform the community colleges in Kentucky that you have closed all doors to the people's decision that means the most--the students. I do believe you mean well, but your approach is conflicting with your main goal! I don't think anyone has the right to take away one's identity, and that is exactly what you are trying to do. Haven't you ever heard the saying "a good name should be chosen rather than riches"--I believe you get the point. There is nothing wrong with the educational programs in Kentucky except for the people "on top" who take advantage of the ones they supposedly represent. One last thought: power corrupts, and absolute power (your demanding proposal) corrupts absolutely. Ronnie Brock Student, Cumberland campus