MnSCU studying potential for campus consolidation

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system is studying the potential for consolidation and alignment among some of its schools in southwestern Minnesota.

MnSCU officials will hold a public forum Tuesday night at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall to get input from residents on the educational needs of the region.

MnSCU's spokeswoman Melinda Voss said the study corresponds with the retirement of Southwest State's president, along with the changing demographics in the region.

"We just really want to identify the key higher education programs and services that are needed by this region now and in the future and the most efficient way to deliver those things," Voss said.

Tonight's forum will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, in Room 249 of the Student Center on the Southwest Minnesota State University campus. A similar forum will be held April 5 in the Commons of the Worthington campus at Minnesota West Community and Technical College from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Members of the public who are unable to attend an open forum and who would like to submit written comments on the higher education needs of the area can send them to Todd Harmening, system director for planning, at todd.harmening@so.mnscu.edu or by mail to 30 7th St. E, Suite 350, St. Paul, MN, 55101.