A study of Missouri’s 34 state colleges and universities [Download PDF] shows major problems that can limit learning and might even endanger some students. The campus-by-campus study reports on major space problems on many campuses, the poor condition of science facilities, and the effects of years of poor funding for maintenance and repair.

The report says increased enrollments are taxing the capacities of campuses to house and instruct students. It says campuses have converted closets and storage areas to provide space for faculty.

Some science labs date to the 60s and in some of those labs where some new equipment has been jammed into old rooms, teachers cannot adequately see students doing experiments–a safety issue.

Survey team leader Zora Mulligan says it has been interesting to see the diverse academic cultures on Missouri’s public campuses. “The primary mood among campus administrators is the sense that we have got to do something differently here in Missouri,” she says, “We are operating an environment where we are looking at continued budget shortfalls.”

The state cannot afford to pay for major improvements in campus conditions. But Mulligan says the report will help the Coordinating Board for Higher Education identify priorities for that time when the state can do something different.

Bob Priddy interviews Zora Mulligan  14:54

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