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BASC directs staff to develop process and criteria for 3‑year (90‑credit) bachelor’s proposals
Summary
The committee asked academic affairs staff to draft policy revisions, justification criteria and a timeline so institutions may propose reduced‑credit (90‑credit) bachelor’s degrees; the item may require KBOR policy changes and possibly statutory action and will need labor-market justification and HLC/industry input.
The Board of Regents BASC committee directed academic affairs staff to develop a process, criteria and timetable that would allow institutions to propose reduced-credit baccalaureate degrees (commonly described as 90‑credit or three‑year bachelor’s options).
Dr. Monholland (academic affairs) framed the issue, saying the Board would need to revise KBOR policies and possibly identify any required changes to state statute. He said a full proposal process would require justification so the reduced credit option is not applied across all disciplines.
Regent Alicia moved that staff gather information on what it would take for institutions to propose a 90‑credit bachelor’s degree; Regent Rasker seconded the motion. Monholland said he interpreted the motion and ensuing discussion as a directive to develop the policy revisions, criteria and a timeline and to return with a recommendation to the full board.
Staff noted the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has indicated institutions would need to provide justification for reduced hours and that proposals commonly require evidence such as labor-market surveys showing employer demand. Dr. Monholland and other academic-affairs staff said the drafting process could take several months: possibly as few as three months if only internal policy revisions are required, but closer to eight months or longer if statutory changes and broader public comment are necessary.
Committee members urged staff to gather industry input to confirm whether employers would recognize a shortened baccalaureate in targeted fields. Staff emphasized proposals would be the right to propose reduced-credit degrees, not automatic permission to offer them; each proposal would still be subject to review and must meet specified criteria.
Academic affairs staff will draft possible policy language, criteria for justification (including labor-market evidence), a recommended timeline and a plan for stakeholder consultation, and present that package to BASC and the full Board of Regents for consideration.
