http://www.ihl.state.ms.us/newsstory.asp?ID=329

BOARD CONSIDERS ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS, PERFORMANCE GOALS



4/21/2005 (JACKSON ) -

The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) today gave initial consideration to a proposal that would require a more rigorous high school curriculum for students planning to attend the state’s public universities.  The change was prompted by ACT studies which indicate that a more demanding high school course of study contributes significantly to college performance.  Dr. Richard Crofts, interim commissioner of higher education, called the proposal “a step to dramatically improve the likelihood of student success” in the universities.

 

The Board also heard a subcommittee recommendation on annual performance goals to be used in evaluating universities and institutional executive officers.  The goals, which will vary from institution to institution in order to take into account differences in universities’ missions, will be considered in final form in the May Board meeting.  In addition, the College Board began considering a measure which would require annual evaluation of the institutional executive officers.

 

In other business, the Board approved the use of a funding formula approach for the state’s universities, although the formula to be used will be determined after more detailed analysis.  Board staff members were asked to prepare a 2006 budget using current methodology, along with alternative budget allocation scenarios to address enrollment shifts in the institutions.  Use of the formula approach will begin in 2007.

 

A proposed multi-year tuition plan also received initial consideration by the Board today.  Interim Commissioner Crofts said of the multi-year plan, “This approach allows our universities, as well as parents, students, and faculty members, to have a better idea of tuition changes which may be on the horizon.”  Discussion of the multi-year concept will continue in subsequent meetings.

 

The Board also approved a recommendation to allow the University of Southern Mississippi to create a new School of Computing within the College of Science and Technology from the former Department of Computer Science.  The move combines programs in the computer science department with other programs from the former School of Engineering Technology.  Also endorsed was a plan by Mississippi University for Women to reorganize its academic administrative structure, moving from a system of divisions to colleges and departments.  The College Board also approved the awarding of nearly 8,700 degrees at the institutions.

 

The next regularly scheduled Board meeting will be May 19, 2005 at the Board Office in Jackson.