Legislation passed in 2016 directed the Coordinating Board for Higher Education to develop a pilot program in Concurrent Enrollment (statutory reference section 173.2520 RSMo, Development of a Concurrent Enrollment Pilot Program).
A concurrent enrollment program allows for any person who satisfies the admissions requirements of any two-year public institution and any four-year public institution to be admitted to both institutions.
The advantages of a concurrent enrollment for students are many:
- Flexibility of taking courses at both institutions at the same time
- Expanded selection of courses and schedules to fit their needs
- Access to the resources of both institutions
- Possibility of earning an associate degree while working toward a bachelor’s degree
- Flexibility in course selection and planning
- Smoother transition between community college and university
- Decreased time to graduation
- Broader range of academic and student support services while streamlining a path to degree completion
In November, 2016, the Commissioner of Higher Education requested proposals for participation in the Concurrent Enrollment Pilot Program. The program is intended to determine the feasibility of extending a concurrent enrollment option to other institutions in the state.
Institutions were asked to identify the responsibilities of participating institutions in the program, including how costs, work load and other considerations will be addressed, as well as specifying the services the program will provide concurrently to enrolled students. They will collect appropriate data and report to the CBHE on the program’s progress and effectiveness.
Institutions participating in the Concurrent Enrollment Pilot Program:
- Missouri University of Science and Technology and East Central College
- Northwest Missouri State University and Metropolitan Community College
- Southeast Missouri State University, Jefferson College and Three Rivers College
The CBHE will report on the outcomes of the pilot program and provide a recommendation regarding its expansion statewide to the governor and the general assembly by January 1, 2020.