Since 1851 when its predecessor was first chartered as the Normal School for Colored Girls, the University of the District of Columbia’s primary mission has been to provide city residents with a quality, accessible and affordable postsecondary education. UDC is accessible, but it has largely failed at its other two objectives.

In her October 2012 report to Mayor Vincent Gray and Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, UDC Board of Trustees chairwoman Elaine Crider outlined a council-mandated “right-sizing” that will eliminate 100 jobs and save $8.5 million a year. UDC currently spends $35,152 per student, which is 66 percent more than comparable institutions of higher education. UDC officials pledge to get that down to “only” 25 percent about comparable to other schools in the next five years.