EXPLANATION TO

RESOLUTION

November 20-21, 2003

 

There has been discussion during budget considerations indicating the possibility of limiting admission of in-state students at some campuses through the imposition of a cap.  The first paragraph of Regents Policy 301.1 (Admission Requirements; in-state undergraduates) reads as follows:  "1.  A graduate of any Montana high school which is accredited by the board of Public Education may enter any four-year campus of the Montana University System as a first-time, full-time undergraduate student, provided the graduate meets the College Preparatory Program outlined in Section 301.7 and at least one of the following requirements ... [test score or GPA requirements follow]." 

 

This language seems to already bar a cap and to require the admission of anyone who meets the listed standards (and submits a timely application, of course).  However, only four-year schools are indicated, it extends only to first-time, full-time undergraduate students, and the existing policy statement may be open to various interpretations.

 

To make clear the intent of the Board of Regents concerning access, and to reflect an appropriate use of Montana taxpayer support for higher education, I suggest the Board of Regents adopt the attached resolution.

 

Regent Roehm