Graduate and Professional Schools in Higher Education
Our national well-being is dependent upon the expansion of the highest quality research and teaching in our professional and graduate schools and in the recruiting and training of professionals. Increases in federal, state, and institutional support for graduate and professional training will have long-term positive consequences for our global position in education and technology, improve our economic and social well-being, and fuel and maintain our nation’s economic growth and our international competitiveness.
To ensure excellence in our graduate and professional schools, NEA recommends the following:
- That economic status should never be a bar to the acquisition of graduate or professional education. NEA supports the development and funding of grant and loan programs to guarantee access to all qualified diverse populations.
- That there should be adequate support to upgrade research laboratories and libraries at graduate and professional schools.
- That adequate enrichment programs for faculty development be provided.
- That federal and state governments provide primary support for graduate and professional education.
- That programs for financial support and cooperative research be encouraged between graduate and professional schools and the private sector. These programs should be controlled by the faculty to ensure consistency with the goals and missions of the appropriate department or school.
- That adequate public support be provided for the continuing assessment of graduate and professional training, especially in the area of teacher preparation.
- That there be continued access for qualified international students.