Editorial: Ideas will reform but miss major problems

The Class of 2010 may live in a world of cheaper textbooks,
higher tuition and forced volunteerism. That is, if Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger implements some of the 1,200-plus recommendations
released by the California Performance Review.

Community college students would fare the best. The report
suggests they be able to earn bachelor’s degrees and transfer
to state universities with fewer hurdles ““ all for less than
$1,000 a year.

Nonresident UC students, meanwhile, would be paying 45 percent
more each year ““ upwards of $26,000 ““ working toward
their bachelor’s degrees.

The report did show a hint of concern for students, though,
suggesting professors be more cautious in requiring the purchase of
expensive textbooks ““ ignoring the fact corporate book
publishers may play a role in the equation.

But its most random suggestion would require college students to
complete 16 hours of community service before graduation. While a
commendable ideal, students shouldn’t serve as the unwilling
subjects of this grand social experiment.

The CPR’s report is indeed sweeping in its aims to reform
and revitalize the state. Too bad it also sweeps most of the
problems plaguing the UC ““ like unpredictable admission and
erratic fee increases ““ under the carpet.