MUNCIE, Ind.--The Ball State University Board of Trustees staked its territory Friday in light of the governor’s recent announcement to develop a statewide community college system.

In a resolution intended to define the university’s role in Indiana higher education, the board reaffirmed its commitment that Ball State will continue to provide:

• a quality, mid-size university
• a comprehensive range of programs in a residential setting
• a special focus on high-quality instruction
• a selective admissions policy

"The citizens of Indiana deserve a choice in the kinds of universities available to them," said President John E. Worthen. "Ball State fills the niche between the mega research university and the small liberal arts college. This gives us the flexibility to admit better prepared students."

Two weeks ago Governor Frank O’Bannon announced plans to join Vincennes University and Ivy Tech State College to create a statewide system of two-year colleges. Under the new system, students could earn an associate’s degree that would transfer to four-year colleges and universities.

Recently, Ball State moved toward a more selective admissions policy, admitting only high school graduates who demonstrate solid academic achievement in a college preparatory curriculum. In the last two years, average SAT scores for entering freshmen at Ball State climbed to 1013--22 points higher than the state average.

"The proposed new community college system provides another option for those who don’t meet our admissions requirements to demonstrate they can do the work required at the university level," said Worthen. "And it gives us the opportunity to concentrate on what we do best."