NASHVILLE, Ind. - Indiana’s new community college system will raise the college-going rate even at doctoral institutions like Ball State University, a higher education official said Thursday.

William Kramer, vice president of planning and education at Ivy Tech State College, said the state’s four-year universities should actively recruit graduates at two-year institutions just as they currently recruit high school students.

"We can provide the structure and remedial support to ensure their later success at the university level," said Kramer. "If the Ivy Tech graduate doesn’t do well at Ball State, you call me and we will take them back."

The new community college system joins the programs at Vincennes University and Ivy Tech in a state-wide system beginning next fall.

Kramer and Vincennes president Phillip Summers spoke at a 3-day meeting of 40 top Ball State administrators at a summer retreat in Brown County. The group is discussing changes in the state higher education scene and its effects on university enrollment for the next 5 to 10 years.

Student Affairs Vice President Douglas McConkey said the university continues to be more selective in admitting only better qualified, better prepared students. Enrollment next fall is expected to reach about 18,000 and climb for the next several years reaching 19,500 students by the year 2005.