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Regents hear plans on resident student access, Short‑Term Pell and workforce programs
Summary
OCHE and campus leaders briefed the Board on proposals to boost resident student access — including marketing, a direct‑admit pilot and universal FAFSA completion — reviewed Short‑Term Pell rulemaking and MT10 implementation, and discussed Perkins and workforce initiatives.
Board members received multiple briefings Sept. 18 on efforts to improve resident student access and expand workforce and short‑term training supports.
Scott Lemmon, Director of Admissions and Enrollment Strategy, outlined resident student access initiatives under consideration for the MUS, including increased marketing, a direct admission pilot program and efforts to promote universal FAFSA completion. He compared Montana’s context with national trends and other states as benchmarks for possible MUS actions.
Joe Thiel, Interim Deputy Commissioner for Academic, Research and Student Affairs, described the proposed Pell expansion for shorter‑term programs, explained the program approval process, and noted remaining questions and a timeline for rulemaking and implementation for eligible programs in Montana.
The Board also heard an update on MT10 from Director Miller, who reported continued support from the governor and legislature and described next steps for campus implementation using funds from the 2025 session. Two‑year and community college items included a review of the FY26 two‑year workplan, estimates and challenges around Future Ready Payments, MUS workforce initiatives and the Perkins V local needs assessment rollout as reported by Dr. Kirk Lacy and Jacque Treaster.
No public comment was received. Board members discussed the need for clear definitions of eligible CTE equivalency credits, coordination on FAFSA completion and timelines for implementing Short‑Term Pell programs.
