SALEM — A decades-long effort to transform Salem State College into a university has entered a critical final stage.
With the clock ticking, backers of a bill to create a long-envisioned Salem State University are lobbying Beacon Hill lawmakers, and the college is encouraging alumni to do the same.
The bill, which would essentially change the state college system into a state university system, is stuck in a House subcommittee, but supporters are optimistic it could become dislodged as early as this week.
"You never want to say anything is 100 percent," said state Rep. John Keenan (D-Salem). "But this is about as close as it's been, and it's right at the top of the list."
If the bill passes — and it still faces a long road with time running out — Salem State and the eight other state colleges in Massachusetts would become state universities. Supporters claim the bill would put the state's colleges on the same footing as those in other states that have been granted similar university status, including neighboring New Hampshire and Connecticut.
Forty-five out of 50 states already have a similar state university system, Salem State spokeswoman Karen Cady said.
"If you're a graduate of Plymouth State University versus Bridgewater State College, the name sometimes says a lot," Cady said.
Keenan noted that applications spiked at Plymouth State in New Hampshire the year after it became a university
Backers also believe university status would put Salem State in a better position to receive funding from non-state budget sources, such as private grants.
A Salem State University has been in the works since the 1990s and was one of former college president Nancy Harrington's longtime goals. Current President Patricia Meservey testified at the Statehouse in support of the bill in September.
Now, for the first time, the bill has a realistic shot at passage.
The greatest threat to the bill, however, isn't coming from opponents (though there are a few who argue the added competition from state universities would make it more difficult for the University of Massachusetts to receive limited research funds.) It's the procedural maze it must first navigate before it becomes law.
Right now, the bill is stuck in the House Ways and Means Committee — behind the state budget. But Keenan was hopeful the budget would be taken up as early as today and that the university bill would not be far behind.
"This really is at the top of our list right now," Keenan said. "We're all pushing for it."
It would then need to pass the House and Senate before arriving on Gov. Deval Patrick's desk. Keenan expected little opposition.
In fact, one element that may help guide its passage, he said, is its lack of impact on the state budget. The estimated $15,000 to $20,000 cost, mostly for new signs, stationery and other transitional expenses, would come from Salem State's own budget.
"We don't have money to do much right now," Keenan said.
But the clock is ticking. Lawmakers have about five weeks left in the current session, which is expected to bring a frenzied race to the finish line. Meanwhile, lawmakers are already debating casinos, a ban on texting while driving and tougher rules for elderly drivers.
"At this point, we have our fingers and toes crossed," Cady said. "We really hope that 2010 is the year."
Staff writer Chris Cassidy can be reached at ccassidy@salem news.com.
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