The front-page article “Enrollment plummets at regional universities” (Sept. 7) prompts me to add thoughts about why this is so — and what to do about it.

Illinois’ system of public universities is overbuilt and too expensive, and it faces prospective students, parents and taxpayers who seriously question their aims, operational practices and leadership. Many also question the value of the programs offered, wondering if the degrees will lead graduates to careers or other opportunities that will pay them back for their time and money.

To the credit of past governmental leaders, in the 1960s and 1970s, the state beefed up its system of public universities by creating new ones and facilitated enlargements on existing campuses. It was the right thing to do then — but times have changed; an

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