The UC Regents seem to think a piece of paper is more important than education. This week they said they wanted to charge more for courses that were “not needed,” thus cushioning the UC system’s bottom line. They were referring to courses a person might take to advance his learning, to get a better education, even though they are not classes specifically required for a degree. Now, I remember having to take classes that didn’t make me a better teacher or writer but were required by my major, minors, and credentialing program. Then there were the “unneeded” courses that made me a more aware, open-minded human being–ones that have been priceless preparation for both my professional and my private life.
I’m delighted that Gov. Brown talked some sense into the Regents. I’m scratching my head over how they could have even considered such a more.