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Regents approve new degree programs and add Classic Learning Test as TOPS concordance option
Summary
The Board of Regents approved four new postsecondary programs — including helicopter aviation training and a bachelor’s in public health — and adopted a concordance allowing the Classic Learning Test as an alternative to the ACT/SAT for TOPS eligibility.
The Board of Regents’ academic and student affairs committee approved several academic program actions and a policy to incorporate the Classic Learning Test (CLT) as an alternative standardized test for TOPS eligibility.
Program approvals - Bossier Parish Community College: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Technical Studies to create stackable pathways for students who hold technical diplomas (fields named include air‑conditioning and refrigeration, electrical technology, industrial manufacturing, welding and related trade areas). - A community college (presenter referenced a local college and an industry partner): AAS in Helicopter Aviation (FAA‑aligned track). The approved program embeds FAA credentials and is structured through a partnership with Aviation Academy of Louisiana in New Iberia, allowing the college to offer pilot training without the institution carrying the full asset and maintenance burden of a rotorcraft fleet. - Grambling State University: Bachelor of Science in Public Health, situated within the institution’s school of nursing to create pathways for students interested in health care careers who do not enter the limited‑enrollment nursing track; program designers framed the degree around Healthy People objectives and community health practice. - Nicholls State University: Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology, designed to meet regional workforce needs; the university secured an $1,800,000 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to support launch under a regional consortium (H2O Future).
TOPS concordance: Classic Learning Test Committee members also considered a policy implementing Act 347, which created a TOPS “Excellence” award and authorized the Classic Learning Test (CLT) as an additional option to demonstrate TOPS eligibility. Doctor Denley explained the policy adopts a concordance table aligning CLT scores with ACT/SAT thresholds for the various TOPS awards (Opportunity, Performance, Honors, Excellence) and related technical rules, including special thresholds for students educated out‑of‑state. The policy was transmitted to LCTCS (Louisiana Community and Technical College System) for operational implementation.
Other items: The committee approved routine consent agenda items including degree terminations and the interim report on the Purple Star (military/veteran friendly campus) program. The committee moved and approved the consent agenda and program items by voice vote.
Why it matters: The program approvals and TOPS concordance broaden educational pathways (including aviation and public health) and expand standardized‑test options for TOPS eligibility; the CLT concordance affects how high school students can qualify for state scholarships.
