March 21-22, 2002

ITEM 114-101-R0302  Approval to amend Policy 501.1- High School Honor Scholarships and Policy 940.13 Section 5 (a) - Fee Waivers, of the Board of Regents Policy and Procedure Manual to reflect the recommendations of the High School Honor Scholarship Task Force appointed by Commissioner of Higher Education Richard Crofts.

THAT: The Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education approves the amendments to Regent's Policy 501.1 and 940.13 Section 5(a) to change the name of the High School Honor Scholarship to the Montana University System Achievement Award, to increase the required minimum grade point average from 3.0 to 3.5, to move the selection ranking from the 7th semester to the 6th semester, to make the award renewable if the student meets the academic requirements and to make the award for a fixed dollar amount.

EXPLANATION: The High School Honor Scholarship Program was created by the Board of Regents over 30 years ago. Since that time no significant changes have been made to the scholarship (fee waiver). During the past several years more and more students are relinquishing the scholarship because it does not meet the needs of many of the top students. In light of that, Commissioner of Higher Education Richard Crofts appointed a High School Honor Scholarship Task Force in August 2001 to review the effectiveness of the scholarship, to determine if it is meeting the intent of the Board and to make recommendations to the Board for revisions to the program, if appropriate.

ATTACHMENTS: Amended wording for Policy 501.1; Policy 940.13 Section 5(a), and High School Honor Scholarship Task Force Report.