SR181, As Adopted by Senate, September 26, 2018

            Senator Stamas offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 181.

            A resolution recognizing the week of September 23-29, 2018, as Michigan Independent Colleges and Universities Week.

            Whereas, Michigan is home to 26 independent colleges and universities serving over 120,000 students; and

            Whereas, The state’s independent, nonprofit colleges and universities are delivering tremendous investment values for graduates, offering an average 11 to 1 rate of return on a bachelor’s degree after just five years; and

            Whereas, More than 80 percent of graduates from Michigan’s independent colleges and universities choose to live and work in the state after graduation; and

            Whereas, Thirty-nine percent of United States military veterans pursuing an undergraduate degree in Michigan; and

            Whereas, A growing number of low-income students are being served by Michigan’s independent, nonprofit colleges and universities, with institution-based student grants and scholarships increasing by 99 percent over the past decade; and

            Whereas, Michigan’s independent colleges and universities provide need-based Federal Pell grants to 45 percent of the undergraduate students; and

            Whereas, The state’s independent, nonprofit colleges and universities offer greater college access for women, low-income students, and nontraditional/lifelong learners; and

            Whereas, Michigan’s independent colleges and universities provide individualized support and customized education for all learners, both in the classroom and within the administration; and

            Whereas, Michigan’s 26 independent, nonprofit college and universities are a vital part of the state’s economic landscape, bringing tens of thousands of skilled, educated students into the state’s workforce during the past decade and giving them each higher earning potential and greater job security; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize the week of September 23-29, 2018, as Michigan Independent Colleges and Universities Week.