Delegate Basilius has earlier proposed a legislation seeking to change the name of Palau Community College to Palau University. The Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) believes that through this, PCC will be able to attract greater and more diverse sources funding.
“I applaud you for trying to amend a legislation to make a name change for PCC, but a mere name change will not bear chat,” Tellei said in his letter.
For instance, he added, the House can sponsor a legislation to fund a doctoral program for Palauans who will then lead this cause.
Tellei said that during the 2007 National Economic Forum, it was recommended that PCC be declared a university and that funding be provided to make it possible to move in that direction.
“In my 1999 investiture address, I raised the issue of positioning the college so that we continue to be a good community college while preparing ourselves and our personnel so that when the time is ripe, we will be ready,” Tellei expressed in his letter.
Tellei added that PCC is, at present, struggling to make ends meet, having had to endure two budget decreases over the last two budget years. He said he has pleaded during budget hearings for the OEK to be sympathetic to the needs of the College as it is a vehicle for future growth.
“We have streamlined the College to the point where it is counterproductive to the successes that we ought to be protecting,” he said.
The college is applying for grants and building an endowment fund for its future. It has also raised $1,600,000 with the help of its loyal supporters. “Though this is small, it is a step in the right direction,” Tellei said.
In 1997, Tellei said in his letter, the OEK has appropriated $100,000 to the endowment fund with a promise to give another $1 million and followed by another $2 million. But that promise has yet to be fulfilled. Tellei said it is important because “if we can’t deliver on past promises or even help an institution build its base, or run at its current course, it would be insurmountable task to make the leap as suggested by the proposed legislation.”
PCC now offers a Bachelors Degree Program; and the school is struggling to pay the cost which over $650,000 to have just one baccalaureate offered for 26 Palauans.
In his letter, Tellei said his office is open to provide needed information so that a better legislation can be drafted.
