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Board defines ‘adult degree completers’ and approves multiple 90‑credit pilot degrees to test workforce‑focused pathways
Summary
Trustees approved a systemwide definition of adult degree students and authorized several 90‑credit pilot bachelor’s degrees limited to adult students, as part of an effort to expand degree completion and workforce alignment.
The Board of Trustees on July 14 approved a systemwide definition of “adult degree students” and authorized several pilot 90‑credit undergraduate degrees limited to that population. Trustees also directed periodic system-level reviews of the pilots.
Why it matters: The action creates a narrowly defined pathway to grant 90‑credit bachelor’s degrees to adults with prior college credit or work experience, aimed at accelerating degree completion for adults in the workforce and to meet pressing workforce needs in Maine.
What the board approved: The trustees first approved an “enrollment safeguards” document that defines eligible adult degree completers (for example, those out of school at least two years with prior college credits). With that definition in place, the board authorized pilot 90‑credit programs at multiple campuses, described in the meeting materials and moved in separate motions. Approved pilots included: - University of Maine at Presque Isle: Bachelor of Arts in Applied Liberal Studies (90 credits) — pilot limited to adult students. - University of Maine at Presque Isle: Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology (90 credits) — pilot limited to adult students. - University of Maine at Augusta: Bachelor of Science in Applied Public Administration (90 credits) — online pilot for adult students; partnership outreach to Maine Municipal Association noted. - University of Maine at Machias: Bachelor of Applied College Studies (90 credits) — reworking of existing 120‑credit program as a 90‑credit adult completion pathway. - University of Maine at Fort Kent: Bachelor of Science in Applied Business Management (90 credits) — online adult completion pathway.
The board also asked for regular reviews by Academic and Student Affairs and the full board; trustees emphasized uniform system-level assessment criteria for all pilots.
Discussion highlights: Trustees and system leaders described the pilots as narrowly tailored experiments; Trustee Alexander asked whether the enrollment safeguards should be incorporated into formal board policy (the chancellor and staff signaled a forthcoming conversation with trustees on that topic). Presidents and Vice Chancellor Jeff St. John emphasized that the pilots will be subject to accreditation review and that implementation timing depends on the accreditor’s substantive‑change process.
Next steps and timeline: System staff will submit required substantive‑change notifications to the regional accreditor (NECHE) in advance of a November commission meeting; start dates were described as most likely in summer 2026 if NECHE approves. The board required regular evaluation reports to the Academic and Student Affairs committee and to the full board.
