BOR Minutes: March 24-25, 1999

Chair Davison reconvened the Board at 8:30 a.m. and moved directly to old business.

Commissioner Crofts presented an overview of the discussions and thinking underlying the credit cap revisions proposed in his memorandum of March 12, 1999 and the draft revised policy. In discussion, Regents expressed a preference for policy that states positively what is allowed rather than enumerate exceptions on what is not allowed. Regent Hamilton concurred and added that students’ enrollment allows them to experiment and enhance their educational experience, that their career aspirations change and they need some latitude. Regent Cunningham expressed concern about the duration of the appeal process under the proposed revision.

Regent Davison invited those in attendance to comment. In extended, detailed discussion, the following individuals expressed opposition to the proposed revisions to the policy: Vice President for Student Affairs Barbara Hollmann of the University of Montana; Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Robert Kindrick of the University of Montana; Vice President for Student Affairs Allen Yarnell of Montana State University; Montana Associated Students Student Body Presidents Tim Sulser of Montana Tech, Barrett Kaiser of the University of Montana Missoula, Brad Faulhaber of Western Montana College, Matt McKamey of MSU Bozeman and students Ryan Hopkins of the University of Montana, Brian Kelly of Montana State University, Dawn Bagnaud of Great Falls College of Technology, and Danyel Sheen of Helena College of Technology. President Michael Malone expressed concern about the impact of student petitions for exceptions on administrative staff. President George Dennison spoke to the need for simplicity. Chancellor Rao suggested that first-generation students might take longer to orient themselves to higher education and need the range afforded by the 170-hour limit.

Regent Davison invited discussion from the Board. Regent Cunningham outlined her academic career and noted that her program of study would have cost her $7,154 more under the 144 credit hour limit. She suggested a warning system be tied to expiration of financial aid eligibility when student reaches maximum limit of funds available. Regents noted there was no motion on the floor to frame discussion.

Regent Roehm expressed concern about how the public would view the Board reducing the credit cap in terms of the Regents’ accountability and serving the public interest. The cost of the difference between a student’s completing 150 and 165 credit hours is $2,793 in state general fund at $140 per credit hour and $ 85 per credit to the student. Regent Roehm expressed the wish that the policy would accommodate a student’s completing a broad general education and, for those seeking it, such things as multiple endorsements within a teacher education program.Regent Hamilton expressed support for 170 hours as a means of being responsive to students who should have responsibility and choice to manage their academic careers. Regent Thompson noted that the bachelor’s degree today has become more common, and students need broad preparation for their work lives. She suggested a better way to save money would be to focus on improving campus retention of freshmen. Regents suggested further amendments that were accepted. Deputy Scott said that item 2 under Procedures would need further refinement, and Regents agreed to revisit the policy later to correct that item.

Regent Davison expressed concern about premature revision of the policy in the absence of any empirical data. He noted that the policy came into being as part of Regents’ efforts to manage enrollments in the face of resource limitations and the need to serve clientele better. He suggested that a study was needed before the policy was changed and suggested a moratorium. Taxpayers tend to support efforts to manage enrollment. Regent Jasmin said the policy could be revisited in the future.