2013 Minnesota Statutes

CHAPTER 135A. PUBLIC POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

FUNDING

135A.01 FUNDING POLICY.

It is the policy of the legislature to provide stable funding for public postsecondary institutions and that the state and students share the cost of public postsecondary education. The legislature intends to provide at least 67 percent of the combined revenue from tuition, the university fee at the University of Minnesota, and state general fund appropriations to public postsecondary institutions. It is also the policy of the legislature that the budgetary process serves to support high quality public postsecondary education.

History:

1983 c 258 s 29; 1Sp1985 c 11 s 14; 1994 c 532 art 3 s 1; 2007 c 144 art 2 s 3

135A.011 STATE HIGHER EDUCATION OBJECTIVES.

Minnesota's higher education investment is made in pursuit of the following objectives: (1) to ensure quality by providing a level of excellence that is competitive on a national and international level, through high quality teaching, scholarship, and learning in a broad range of arts and sciences, technical education, and professional fields; (2) to foster student success by enabling and encouraging students to choose institutions and programs that are best suited for their talents and abilities, and to provide an educational climate that supports students in pursuing their goals and aspirations; (3) to promote democratic values and enhance Minnesota's quality of life by developing understanding and appreciation of a free and diverse society; (4) to maintain access by providing an opportunity for all Minnesotans, regardless of personal circumstances, to participate in higher education; and (5) to enhance the economy by assisting the state in being competitive in the world market, and to prepare a highly skilled and adaptable workforce that meets Minnesota's opportunities and needs.

History:

2007 c 144 art 2 s 4

135A.02 [Repealed, 1994 c 532 art 3 s 9]

135A.03 [Repealed, 1994 c 532 art 3 s 9]

135A.031 APPROPRIATIONS.

Subdivision 1.Determination of appropriation.

The appropriations for the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities are determined by considering the biennial budget documents submitted under section 135A.034, performance in advancing the objectives under section 135A.011, available resources according to the state budget forecast, the relative balance between state support for students and public postsecondary institutions, and other factors the legislature considers important in determining the level of state appropriations for public postsecondary education.

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 2007 c 144 art 2 s 52]

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 2007 c 144 art 2 s 52]

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 2007 c 144 art 2 s 52]

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 2007 c 144 art 2 s 52]

Subd. 6.

[Repealed, 2007 c 144 art 2 s 52]

Subd. 7.Reports.

(a) The University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities systems shall include in their biennial budget proposals to the legislature:

(1) a five-year history of systemwide expenditures, reported by:

(i) functional areas, including instruction, research, public service, student financial aid, and auxiliary services, and including direct costs and indirect costs, such as institutional support, academic support, student services, and facilities management, associated with each functional area; and

(ii) objects of expenditure, such as salaries, benefits, supplies, and equipment;

(2) a five-year history of the system's total instructional expenditures per full-year equivalent student, by level of instruction, including upper-division undergraduate, lower-division undergraduate, graduate, professional, and other categories of instructional programs offered by the system;

(3) a five-year history of the system's total revenues by funding source, including tuition, state operations and maintenance appropriations, state special appropriations, other restricted state funds, federal appropriations, sponsored research funds, gifts, auxiliary revenue, indirect cost recovery, and any other revenue sources;

(4) an explanation describing how state appropriations made to the system in the previous biennium were allocated and the methodology used to determine the allocation;

(5) data describing how the institution reallocated resources to advance the priorities set forth in the budget submitted under section 135A.034 and the statewide objectives under section 135A.011. The information must indicate whether instruction and support programs received a reduction in or additional resources. The total amount reallocated must be clearly explained;

(6) the tuition rates and fees established by the governing board in each of the past ten years and comparison data for peer institutions and national averages;

(7) data on the number and proportion of students graduating within four, five, and six years from universities and within three years from colleges as reported in the integrated postsecondary education data system. These data must be provided for each institution by race, ethnicity, and gender. Data and information must be submitted that describe the system's plan and progress toward attaining the goals set forth in the plan to increase the number and proportion of students that graduate within four, five, or six years from a university or within three years from a college;

(8) data on, and the methodology used to measure, the number of students traditionally underrepresented in higher education enrolled at the system's institutions. Data and information must be submitted that describe the system's plan and progress toward attaining the goals set forth in the plan to increase the recruitment, retention, and timely graduation of students traditionally underrepresented in higher education; and

(9) data on the revenue received from all sources to support research or workforce development activities or the system's efforts to license, sell, or otherwise market products, ideas, technology, and related inventions created in whole or in part by the system. Data and information must be submitted that describe the system's plan and progress toward attaining the goals set forth in the plan to increase the revenue received to support research or workforce development activities or revenue received from the licensing, sale, or other marketing and technology transfer activities by the system.

(b) Data required by this subdivision shall be submitted by the public postsecondary systems to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the Department of Management and Budget and included in the biennial budget document. Representatives from each system, in consultation with the commissioner of management and budget and the commissioner of the Office of Higher Education, shall develop consistent reporting practices for this purpose.

(c) To the extent practicable, each system shall develop the ability to respond to legislative requests for financial analyses that are more detailed than those required by this subdivision, including but not limited to analyses that show expenditures or revenues by institution or program, or in multiple categories of expenditures or revenues, and analyses that show revenue sources for particular types of expenditures.

History:

1994 c 532 art 3 s 2; 1995 c 212 art 2 s 1; 1Sp2001 c 1 art 2 s 6; 2005 c 107 art 2 s 1,2; 2007 c 144 art 2 s 5,6; 2009 c 101 art 2 s 109; 2013 c 99 art 2 s 3,29

135A.032 [Repealed, 2007 c 144 art 2 s 52]

135A.033 [Repealed, 2007 c 144 art 2 s 52]

135A.034 BUDGET PRIORITIES.

Subdivision 1.Operating budget.

The governing boards of the University of Minnesota, and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities shall each develop, for legislative and executive branch acceptance, its highest budget priorities in accordance with statewide objectives for higher education under section 135A.011.

Subd. 2.Capital projects.

The Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota and the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities are requested to consider the following criteria in establishing priorities for requests for bond funds for capital projects:

(1) maintenance and preservation of existing facilities;

(2) completion of projects that have received funding;

(3) updating facilities to meet contemporary needs;

(4) providing geographic distribution of capital projects; and

(5) maximizing the use of nonstate contributions.

History:

1994 c 532 art 3 s 5; 2000 c 492 art 1 s 50; 2007 c 144 art 2 s 7

135A.04 VARIABLE TUITION.

The Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota and the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities shall each establish tuition. Tuition may vary by program, level of instruction, cost of instruction, or other classifications determined by each board. Tuition may be set at any percentage of instructional cost established by the respective boards.

History:

1983 c 258 s 32; 1Sp1985 c 11 s 16; 1987 c 401 s 9; 1988 c 703 art 1 s 9; 1994 c 532 art 3 s 6; 1995 c 212 art 4 s 64

135A.041 FEE STATEMENT.

Beginning in the 1993-1994 academic year, fee statements at all public postsecondary campuses shall indicate the state-paid portion of the cost of an average student's education in that system by including the following statement: "Tuition pays for approximately ... % of the cost of a student at a public college. The State of Minnesota pays approximately $....... of the average cost for full-time students."

History:

1Sp1993 c 2 art 3 s 15

135A.042 FEE WAIVER.

The president of a state university, community college, or technical college may waive the fee assessed to a student applying for admission, if the president determines that the fee would impose an economic hardship on the student or the student's family.

History:

1995 c 212 art 2 s 2

135A.043 RESIDENT TUITION.

(a) A student, other than a nonimmigrant alien within the meaning of United States Code, title 8, section 1101, subsection (a), paragraph (15), shall qualify for a resident tuition rate or its equivalent at state universities and colleges if the student meets all of the following requirements:

(1) high school attendance within the state for three or more years;

(2) graduation from a state high school or attainment within the state of the equivalent of high school graduation; and

(3) in the case of a student without lawful immigration status: (i) documentation that the student has complied with selective service registration requirements; and (ii) if a federal process exists for the student to obtain lawful immigration status, the student must present the higher education institution with documentation from federal immigration authorities that the student has filed an application to obtain lawful immigration status.

(b) This section is in addition to any other statute, rule, or higher education institution regulation or policy providing eligibility for a resident tuition rate or its equivalent to a student.

(c) The Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota is requested to adopt a policy implementing this section.

History:

2013 c 99 art 4 s 1

135A.044 PRIVATE SCHOLARSHIP AID.

A public postsecondary institution may use private sources of funding to provide aid to a student eligible for resident tuition under section 135A.043. This section is in addition to any other authority of an institution to provide financial aid.

History:

2013 c 99 art 4 s 2

135A.045 [Repealed, 2007 c 144 art 2 s 52]

135A.046 ASSET PRESERVATION AND REPLACEMENT.

Subdivision 1.Purpose.

The legislature recognizes that postsecondary governing boards operate campus physical plants that in number, size, and programmatic use differ significantly from the physical plants operated by state departments and agencies. However, the legislature recognizes the need for standards to aid in categorizing and funding capital projects. The purpose of this section is to provide standards for those higher education projects that are intended to preserve and replace existing campus facilities.

Subd. 2.Standards.

Capital budget expenditures for Higher Education Asset Preservation and Replacement (HEAPR) projects must be for one or more of the following: code compliance including health and safety, Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, hazardous material abatement, access improvement, or air quality improvement; building energy efficiency improvements using current best practices; or building or infrastructure repairs necessary to preserve the interior and exterior of existing buildings; or renewal to support the existing programmatic mission of the campuses. Up to ten percent of an appropriation awarded under this section may be used for design costs for projects eligible to be funded from this account in anticipation of future funding from the account.

Subd. 3.Reporting priorities.

Each postsecondary governing board shall establish priorities within its Higher Education Asset Preservation and Replacement projects. By January 15 of each year, it shall submit to the commissioner of management and budget and to the chairs of the higher education finance divisions, the senate Finance Committee, and the house of representatives Capital Investment Committee a list of the projects that have been paid for with money from a higher education asset preservation and replacement appropriation during the preceding calendar year as well as a list of those priority projects for which Higher Education Asset Preservation and Replacement appropriations will be sought in that year's legislative session.

History:

1994 c 643 s 65; 1996 c 463 s 41; 2002 c 393 s 53; 2009 c 93 art 1 s 27; 2009 c 101 art 2 s 109

135A.05 [Expired; Repealed, 1994 c 532 art 3 s 9]

ACADEMICS; PROGRAMS; MISSIONS

135A.051 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.

Subdivision 1.Extended time.

A student shall be entitled to complete a program according to the requirements in effect at the time the student began the program for 12 months beyond the time usually required to complete a program.

Subd. 2.Program terminated.

The provisions of this section do not apply to a program or course which is discontinued by an institution.

Subd. 3.Applicability.

The provisions of this section apply to a student enrolled in a technical college, community college, state university, and the University of Minnesota.

History:

1983 c 166 s 2; 1987 c 258 s 12; 1989 c 246 s 2

135A.052 POSTSECONDARY MISSIONS.

Subdivision 1.Statement of missions.

(a) The legislature recognizes each type of public postsecondary institution to have a distinctive mission within the overall provision of public higher education in the state and a responsibility to cooperate with each other. These missions are as follows:

(1) the technical colleges shall offer vocational training and education to prepare students for skilled occupations that do not require a baccalaureate degree;

(2) the community colleges shall offer lower division instruction in academic programs, occupational programs in which all credits earned will be accepted for transfer to a baccalaureate degree in the same field of study, and remedial studies, for students transferring to baccalaureate institutions and for those seeking associate degrees;

(3) consolidated community technical colleges shall offer the same types of instruction, programs, certificates, diplomas, and degrees as the technical colleges and community colleges offer;

(4) the state universities shall offer undergraduate and graduate instruction through the master's degree, including specialist certificates, in the liberal arts and sciences and professional education, and may offer applied doctoral degrees in education, business, psychology, physical therapy, audiology, and nursing; and

(5) the University of Minnesota shall offer undergraduate, graduate, and professional instruction through the doctoral degree, and shall be the primary state supported academic agency for research and extension services.

(b) It is part of the mission of each system that within the system's resources the system's governing board and chancellor or president shall endeavor to:

(1) prevent the waste or unnecessary spending of public money;

(2) use innovative fiscal and human resource practices to manage the state's resources and operate the system as efficiently as possible;

(3) coordinate the system's activities wherever appropriate with the activities of the other system and governmental agencies;

(4) use technology where appropriate to increase system productivity, improve customer service, increase public access to information about the system, and increase public participation in the business of the system;

(5) utilize constructive and cooperative labor-management practices to the extent otherwise required by chapters 43A and 179A; and

(6) recommend to the legislature appropriate changes in law necessary to carry out the mission of the system.

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1995 c 212 art 3 s 60]

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1995 c 212 art 3 s 60]

History:

1991 c 356 art 2 s 1; 1995 c 248 art 11 s 10; 1997 c 183 art 3 s 10; 2005 c 107 art 2 s 3

135A.053 [Repealed, 2007 c 144 art 2 s 52]

135A.06

Subdivision 1.

[Repealed, 1Sp2001 c 1 art 2 s 29]

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1994 c 532 art 2 s 19]

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1994 c 532 art 2 s 19]

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 1994 c 532 art 2 s 19]

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 1994 c 532 art 2 s 19]

Subd. 6.

[Repealed, 1994 c 532 art 2 s 19]

135A.061 [Repealed, 1994 c 532 art 2 s 19]

135A.07 [Repealed, 1Sp1985 c 11 s 81]

135A.08 CREDIT TRANSFER.

Subdivision 1.Course equivalency.

The Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota and the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities shall develop and maintain course equivalency guides for use between institutions that have a high frequency of transfer. The course equivalency guides must include information on the course equivalency and awarding of credit for learning acquired as a result of the successful completion of formal military courses and occupational training. Course equivalency guides are not required for vocational technical programs that have not been divided into identifiable courses. The governing boards of private institutions that grant associate and baccalaureate degrees and that have a high frequency of transfer students are requested to participate in developing these guides.

Subd. 2.Common numbering.

The regents of the University of Minnesota and the trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities shall develop and maintain a common numbering convention to distinguish remedial, lower division, upper division, and graduate level coursework. The governing boards of private institutions that grant associate and baccalaureate degrees are requested to cooperate in the development of this numbering convention.

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1995 c 212 art 3 s 60]

History:

1Sp1985 c 11 s 19; 1990 c 375 s 3; 1995 c 212 art 3 s 3,4; 2009 c 95 art 2 s 1

135A.081 [Repealed, 1Sp2001 c 6 art 2 s 78]

135A.09 [Repealed, 1995 c 212 art 3 s 60]

135A.10

Subdivision 1.

[Repealed, 1996 c 310 s 1]

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1991 c 265 art 11 s 26]

135A.101 POSTSECONDARY ENROLLMENT OPTIONS.

Subdivision 1.Requirements for participation.

To participate in the postsecondary enrollment options program, a college or university must abide by the provisions in this section. The institution may provide information about its programs to a secondary school or to a pupil or parent and may recruit or solicit participation on educational and programmatic grounds.

Subd. 2.Prohibition.

An institution shall not enroll secondary pupils, for postsecondary enrollment options purposes, in developmental courses or other courses that are not college level. For the purposes of this section, a "developmental course" means a postsecondary course taken to prepare a student for college-level work and for which the postsecondary institution does not grant credit or which cannot be used to meet degree, diploma, or certificate requirements.

History:

1995 c 212 art 2 s 3; 2012 c 239 art 1 s 29

135A.11 [Repealed, 1995 c 212 art 3 s 60]

135A.12 UNIQUE NEEDS AND ABILITIES OF AMERICAN INDIAN PEOPLE.

Subdivision 1.Applicability.

This section applies to each public postsecondary governing board and each public postsecondary institution.

Subd. 2.Programs and services.

The board of each institution, at the request of ten or more full-time American Indian students, shall establish an advisory committee, in consultation with tribal designated representatives. The advisory committee shall recommend instructional programs and student services to meet the unique needs of American Indian people.

Subd. 3.American Indian languages.

A student who is proficient in an American Indian language shall have the opportunity to be assessed, placed, or to receive credit for skills in that language in the same manner that a student is assessed, placed, or receives credit for skills in languages other than the English language.

Subd. 4.Qualifications for American Indian studies and services.

American Indian individuals who understand and have demonstrated knowledge of American Indian language, history, or culture may be considered to be competent to provide instruction in American Indian language, history, or culture programs. Qualifications to provide noninstructional services at postsecondary institutions for American Indian people must take into consideration knowledge of and understanding of American Indian language, history, or culture.

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 1995 c 212 art 3 s 60]

History:

1988 c 703 art 1 s 11; 1989 c 246 s 2; 1995 c 212 art 3 s 6

MISCELLANEOUS

135A.13 STUDENT SERVICES PRICES.

The governing board of each public postsecondary system is requested to establish prices for goods and services sold through student services that approximate as nearly as possible the cost of providing quality goods and services.

History:

1988 c 703 art 1 s 12

135A.131 LOCAL ASSESSMENT.

Each public postsecondary governing board may pay when due any assessment by a local unit of government that is less than five percent of the board's appropriation for repair and replacement.

History:

1991 c 356 art 3 s 6

135A.135 PERSONAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT.

During initial student registration, each technical college, community college, or state university shall, and the University of Minnesota is requested to, provide each student information on personal financial management. Students should understand and be able to manage personal finances including, but not limited to, the responsible use of consumer credit. This requirement may be waived for a student who enrolls in a college course providing similar instruction.

History:

2007 c 144 art 2 s 8

135A.136 STUDENT HEALTH CARE.

A Minnesota public postsecondary institution must grant a waiver from its required student health insurance plan coverage if the student requests the waiver and the student has health plan coverage from another source, including employer group coverage, private insurance, association group coverage, health sharing organizations, and MinnesotaCare. An institution must notify students of the right to request the waiver.

History:

2012 c 270 s 1

135A.14 STATEMENT OF IMMUNIZATION.

Subdivision 1.Definitions.

As used in this section, the following terms have the meanings given them.

(a) "Administrator" means the administrator of the institution or other person with general control and supervision of the institution.

(b) "Public or private postsecondary educational institution" or "institution" means any of the following institutions having an enrollment of more than 100 persons during any quarter, term, or semester during the preceding year: (1) the University of Minnesota; (2) the state universities; (3) the state community colleges; (4) public technical colleges; (5) private four-year, professional and graduate institutions; (6) private two-year colleges; and (7) schools subject to either chapter 141, sections 136A.61 to 136A.71, or schools exempt under section 136A.657, and which offer educational programs within the state for an academic year greater than six consecutive months. An institution's report to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education or the Minnesota Department of Education may be considered when determining enrollment.

(c) "Student" means a person born after 1956 who did not graduate from a Minnesota high school in 1997 or later, and who is (1) registering for more than one class during a full academic term, such as a quarter or a semester or (2) housed on campus and is registering for one or more classes. Student does not include persons who are only enrolled in extension classes, correspondence classes, online classes, or evening or weekend adult accelerated programs.

Subd. 2.Statement of immunization required.

Except as provided in subdivision 3, no student may remain enrolled in a public or private postsecondary educational institution unless the student has submitted to the administrator a statement that the student has received appropriate immunization against measles, rubella, and mumps after having attained the age of 12 months, and against diphtheria and tetanus within ten years of first registration at the institution. This statement must indicate the month and year of each immunization given. Instead of submitting a statement, a student may provide an immunization record maintained by a school according to section 121A.15, subdivision 7, or a school in another state if the required information is contained in the record. A student who has submitted a statement as provided in this subdivision may transfer to a different Minnesota institution without submitting another statement if the student's transcript or other official documentation indicates that the statement was submitted.

Subd. 3.Exemptions from immunization.

(a) An immunization listed in subdivision 2 is not required if the student submits to the administrator a statement signed by a physician that shows:

(1) that, for medical reasons, the student did not receive an immunization;

(2) that the student has experienced the natural disease against which the immunization protects; or

(3) that a laboratory has confirmed the presence of adequate immunity.

(b) If the student submits a notarized statement that the student has not been immunized as required in subdivision 2 because of the student's conscientiously held beliefs, the immunizations described in subdivision 2 are not required. The institution shall forward this statement to the commissioner of health.

Subd. 4.Immunization files required.

The institution must maintain an immunization record for each student governed by this section for at least one year from the time of original filing. The immunization records may be inspected by the Department of Health and the local board of health in whose jurisdiction the institution is located.

Subd. 5.Deadline for submitting statement.

The institution shall require that the statement from the student, as required within subdivision 2 or 3, be submitted within 45 days of commencement of the academic term for which the student has registered.

Subd. 6.Hepatitis information.

All public and private postsecondary education institutions shall provide information regarding the transmission, treatment, and prevention of hepatitis A, B, and C, to all persons who are first-time enrollees. The Department of Health shall be consulted regarding the preparation of these materials.

Subd. 6a.Meningitis information.

Each public and private postsecondary institution shall provide information on the risks of meningococcal disease and on the availability and effectiveness of any vaccine to each individual who is a first-time enrollee and who resides in on-campus student housing. The institution may provide the information in an electronic format. The institution must consult with the Department of Health on the preparation of the informational materials provided under this subdivision.

Subd. 7.Modifications to schedule.

(a) The commissioner of health may adopt modifications to the immunization requirements of this section. A proposed modification made under this subdivision must be part of the current immunization recommendations of each of the following organizations: the United States Public Health Service's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. In proposing a modification to the immunization schedule, the commissioner must:

(1) consult with the commissioner of education; the commissioner of human services; the chancellor of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities; and the president of the University of Minnesota; and

(2) consider the following criteria: the epidemiology of the disease, the morbidity and mortality rates for the disease, the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, the cost of a vaccination program, the cost of enforcing vaccination requirements, and a cost-benefit analysis of the vaccination.

(b) Before a proposed modification may be adopted, the commissioner must notify the chairs of the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over health policy issues. If the chairs of the relevant standing committees determine a public hearing regarding the proposed modifications is in order, the hearing must be scheduled within 60 days of receiving notice from the commissioner. If a hearing is scheduled, the commissioner may not adopt any proposed modifications until after the hearing is held.

(c) The commissioner shall comply with the requirements of chapter 14 regarding the adoption of any proposed modifications to the immunization schedule.

(d) In addition to the publication requirements of chapter 14, the commissioner of health must inform all immunization providers of any adopted modifications to the immunization schedule in a timely manner.

History:

1989 c 215 s 8; 1989 c 246 s 2; 1995 c 212 art 3 s 59; 1Sp1995 c 3 art 16 s 13; 1996 c 398 s 28; 1998 c 397 art 11 s 3; 1999 c 214 art 2 s 2; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 1 s 26; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 2003 c 130 s 12; 2003 c 133 art 2 s 2; 2005 c 107 art 2 s 60; 2012 c 270 s 2

135A.145 SALE OF STUDENT INFORMATION; MARKETING CREDIT CARDS TO STUDENTS.

Subdivision 1.Prohibited practices.

No public or private postsecondary educational institution, including its agents, employees, student or alumni organizations, or affiliates, may:

(1) sell, give, or otherwise transfer to any card issuer the name, address, telephone number, or other contact information of an undergraduate student at the postsecondary educational institution without the student's consent; or

(2) enter into any agreement to market credit cards to undergraduate students at a postsecondary educational institution.

For purposes of this section, the terms "credit," "credit card," and "card issuer" have the meanings given them in the Truth in Lending Act, United States Code, title 15, section 1602.

Subd. 2.Violations.

The attorney general may seek the penalties and remedies available under section 8.31 against any person who violates this section.

History:

2007 c 144 art 2 s 9

135A.1459 POLICIES ON HIRING PRACTICES.

The commissioner of administration, the Board of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, the Regents of the University of Minnesota, and statutory and home rule charter cities may adopt policies that address the goal of improving employment for local residents or former criminal offenders.

History:

2009 c 59 art 5 s 24

135A.15 SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND VIOLENCE POLICY.

Subdivision 1.Policy required.

The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities shall, and the University of Minnesota is requested to, adopt a clear, understandable written policy on sexual harassment and sexual violence that informs victims of their rights under the crime victims bill of rights, including the right to assistance from the Crime Victims Reparations Board and the commissioner of public safety. The policy must apply to students and employees and must provide information about their rights and duties. The policy must apply to criminal incidents occurring on property owned by the postsecondary system or institution in which the victim is a student or employee of that system or institution. It must include procedures for reporting incidents of sexual harassment or sexual violence and for disciplinary actions against violators. During student registration, each technical college, community college, or state university shall, and the University of Minnesota is requested to, provide each student with information regarding its policy. A copy of the policy also shall be posted at appropriate locations on campus at all times. Each private postsecondary institution that is an eligible institution as defined in section 136A.155, must adopt a policy that meets the requirements of this section.

Subd. 2.Victims' rights.

The policy required under subdivision 1 shall, at a minimum, require that students and employees be informed of the policy, and shall include provisions for:

(1) filing criminal charges with local law enforcement officials in sexual assault cases;

(2) the prompt assistance of campus authorities, at the request of the victim, in notifying the appropriate law enforcement officials and disciplinary authorities of a sexual assault incident;

(3) an investigation and resolution of a sexual assault complaint by campus disciplinary authorities;

(4) a sexual assault victim's participation in and the presence of the victim's attorney or other support person at any campus disciplinary proceeding concerning a sexual assault complaint;

(5) notice to a sexual assault victim of the outcome of any campus disciplinary proceeding concerning a sexual assault complaint, consistent with laws relating to data practices;

(6) the complete and prompt assistance of campus authorities, at the direction of law enforcement authorities, in obtaining, securing, and maintaining evidence in connection with a sexual assault incident;

(7) the assistance of campus authorities in preserving for a sexual assault complainant or victim materials relevant to a campus disciplinary proceeding; and

(8) the assistance of campus personnel, in cooperation with the appropriate law enforcement authorities, at a sexual assault victim's request, in shielding the victim from unwanted contact with the alleged assailant, including transfer of the victim to alternative classes or to alternative college-owned housing, if alternative classes or housing are available and feasible.

History:

1989 c 293 s 15; 1992 c 571 art 5 s 1; 1995 c 212 art 3 s 7; 2002 c 220 art 7 s 8; 2010 c 364 s 1

135A.153 HIGHER EDUCATION CENTER ON VIOLENCE AND ABUSE.

Subdivision 1.Creation and designation.

The Higher Education Center on Violence and Abuse is created. The Higher Education Center on Violence and Abuse shall be located at and managed by a public or private postsecondary institution in Minnesota.

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1995 c 212 art 3 s 60]

Subd. 3.Duties.

The Higher Education Center on Violence and Abuse shall:

(1) serve as a clearinghouse of information on curriculum models and other resources for professional education and for education of faculty, students, and staff about violence and harassment required under Laws 1992, chapter 571, article 16, section 1;

(2) sponsor conferences and research to assist higher education institutions in developing curricula about violence and abuse;

(3) fund pilot projects to stimulate multidisciplinary curricula about violence and abuse; and

(4) coordinate policies to ensure that professions and occupations with responsibilities toward victims and offenders have the knowledge and skills needed to prevent and respond appropriately to the problems of violence and abuse.

Subd. 4.Professional education and licensure.

The center shall convene task forces for professions that work with victims and perpetrators of violence. Task forces must be formed for the following professions: teachers, school administrators, guidance counselors, law enforcement officers, lawyers, physicians, nurses, psychologists, and social workers. Each task force must include representatives of the licensing agency, higher education systems offering programs in the profession, appropriate professional associations, students or recent graduates, representatives of communities served by the profession, and employers or experienced professionals. The center must establish guidelines for the work of the task forces. Each task force must review current programs, licensing regulations and examinations, and accreditation standards to identify specific needs and plans for ensuring that professionals are adequately prepared and updated on violence and abuse issues.

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 2007 c 13 art 2 s 9]

History:

1993 c 326 art 12 s 15; 1995 c 212 art 3 s 8,53,54,59

135A.155 HAZING POLICY.

The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities shall, and the University of Minnesota is requested to, adopt a clear, understandable written policy on student conduct, including hazing. The policy must include procedures for reporting incidents of inappropriate hazing and for disciplinary actions against individual violators and organizations. The policy shall be made available to students by appropriate means as determined by each institution, which may include publication in a student handbook or other institutional publication, or posting by electronic display on the Internet, and shall be posted at appropriate locations on campus. A private postsecondary institution that is an eligible institution as defined in section 136A.155, must adopt a policy that meets the requirements of this section.

History:

1Sp1997 c 4 art 7 s 41; 1999 c 214 art 2 s 3; 2010 c 364 s 2

135A.157 NOTICE TO STUDENTS REGARDING POSSIBLE IMPACT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS.

(a) A public or private postsecondary educational institution located in this state shall give notice under this section to each person accepted for admission to be a student at the institution. This notice shall be given at or before the time of acceptance for admission to the institution and at or before the time students select a major.

(b) A notice provided under this section must inform students that arrests, charges, or convictions of criminal offenses may limit employment possibilities in specific careers and occupations and may limit their ability to obtain federal, state, and other financial aid, and must encourage students to investigate these possibilities. The notice must not discourage students from applying for federal, state, or other financial aid.

(c) A postsecondary educational institution is not liable for failing to provide the notice required by this section.

History:

2009 c 95 art 2 s 2

135A.16 POLICY FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES.

Subdivision 1.Development.

Each public postsecondary governing board shall have a policy to provide for the needs of enrolled or admitted students on its campuses who have disabilities under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Public Law 93-112. Governing boards of private postsecondary institutions are requested to develop similar policies.

Subd. 2.Content.

Each policy shall include a list of services each campus must make available to any student who, through a recent assessment, can document a disability. The following three services must be included in the policy:

(1) support, counseling, and information that may include support groups, individual counseling, career counseling and assessment, and referral services;

(2) academic assistance services that may include early registration services, early syllabus availability, course selection and program advising, coursework and testing assistance and modification, and tutoring; and

(3) advocacy services that may include a designated ombudsman serving as the primary contact and coordinator for students needing services, assistance in working individually with faculty and administrators, intervention procedures, and grievance procedures.

Subd. 3.Availability.

The policy and related information must be readily available to enrolled students and applicants for admission. At a minimum, information on services, including a contact person and location, must be included in the campus catalog and in the schedule of course offerings each term.

History:

1991 c 173 s 1

135A.165 DEAF STUDENTS; TUITION ASSISTANCE.

(a) For the purpose of this section, a "deaf person" means an individual with a hearing loss of such severity that the individual must depend primarily on visual communication, such as writing, lip reading, manual communication, and gestures.

(b) A deaf person, who is a resident student as defined in section 136A.101, subdivision 8, is entitled to tuition assistance for the tuition and fees remaining after deducting any federal or state grants or other public or private grants made to the person for the purpose of paying the tuition and fees at a Minnesota state college or university or the University of Minnesota. A deaf person must receive either a federal Pell grant or a state grant under section 136A.121 for a term to receive tuition assistance for that term.

History:

2005 c 107 art 2 s 4

135A.17 PROVISIONS TO FACILITATE VOTING.

Subdivision 1.Identification cards.

All postsecondary institutions that enroll students accepting state or federal financial aid may provide every full-time student a student identification card that contains the enrolling student's photograph and name.

Subd. 2.Residential housing list.

All postsecondary institutions that enroll students accepting state or federal financial aid may prepare a current list of students enrolled in the institution and residing in the institution's housing or within ten miles of the institution's campus. The list shall include each student's current address. The list shall be certified and sent to the appropriate county auditor or auditors for use in election day registration as provided under section 201.061, subdivision 3. A residential housing list provided under this subdivision may not be used or disseminated by a county auditor or the secretary of state for any other purpose.

History:

1991 c 227 s 2; 2008 c 244 art 1 s 1

135A.18 AUTHORIZATION FOR AGREEMENTS.

The governing board of a public postsecondary system may enter into an agreement with a school board to provide a nonsectarian course taught by secondary teachers or postsecondary faculty members to an eligible pupil, as defined in section 124D.09, subdivision 5, and offered at a secondary school or another location.

History:

1992 c 499 art 9 s 14; 1998 c 397 art 11 s 3

135A.181 [Repealed, 1995 c 212 art 2 s 4]

135A.19 FINANCIAL EMERGENCY.

The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota may immediately lay off employees, without notice, if the respective board has declared a financial emergency. All other contractual provisions relating to layoffs continue to apply. A financial emergency may be declared if, at any time: (1) the projected revenue for the system from tuition and the general fund for the current or next fiscal year is less than 93 percent of the anticipated expenditures in the board approved budget, and (2) if tuition would need to be increased more than three times the annual inflation rate to solve the shortfall.

For employees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities covered under a collective bargaining agreement, this section applies to all collective bargaining agreements effective after July 1, 1995, and shall be effective for each collective bargaining agreement covering those employees the day after it has been ratified by the Legislative Commission on Employee Relations. For represented employees of the University of Minnesota, this section applies the day following signing of the next agreement. For employees not covered by a collective bargaining agreement, this section is effective July 1, 1995. The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota shall balance layoffs of faculty, other employees, and administrators. The boards should strive to provide uninterrupted service and instruction to students.

History:

1995 c 212 art 2 s 5

MIDWESTERN HIGHER EDUCATION COMPACT

135A.20 MIDWESTERN HIGHER EDUCATION COMPACT.

The Midwestern Higher Education Compact is enacted into law and entered into with all jurisdictions legally joining therein in the form substantially as follows:

ARTICLE I

Purpose

The purpose of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact shall be to provide greater higher education opportunities and services in the Midwestern region, with the aim of furthering regional access to, research in and choice of higher education for the citizens residing in the several states which are parties to this compact.

ARTICLE II

The Commission

(A) The compacting states hereby create the Midwestern Higher Education Commission, hereinafter called the commission. The commission shall be a body corporate of each compacting state. The commission shall have all the responsibilities, powers and duties set forth herein, including the power to sue and be sued, and such additional powers as may be conferred upon it by subsequent action of the respective legislatures of the compacting states in accordance with the terms of this compact.

(B) The commission shall consist of five resident members of each state as follows: the governor or the governor's designee who shall serve during the tenure of office of the governor; two legislators, one from each house (except Nebraska, which may appoint two legislators from its unicameral legislature), who shall serve two-year terms and be appointed by the appropriate appointing authority in each house of the legislature; and two other at-large members, at least one of whom shall be selected from the field of higher education. The at-large members shall be appointed in a manner provided by the laws of the appointing state. One of the two at-large members initially appointed in each state shall serve a two-year term. The other, and any regularly appointed successor to either at-large member, shall serve a four-year term. All vacancies shall be filled in accordance with the laws of the appointing states. Any commissioner appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve until the end of the incomplete term.

(C) The commission shall select annually, from among its members, a chair, a vice-chair and a treasurer.

(D) The commission shall appoint an executive director who shall serve at its pleasure and who shall act as secretary to the commission. The treasurer, the executive director and such other personnel as the commission may determine, shall be bonded in such amounts as the commission may require.

(E) The commission shall meet at least once each calendar year. The chair may call additional meetings and, upon the request of a majority of the commission members of three or more compacting states, shall call additional meetings. Public notice shall be given of all meetings and meetings shall be open to the public.

(F) Each compacting state represented at any meeting of the commission is entitled to one vote. A majority of the compacting states shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, unless a larger quorum is required by the bylaws of the commission.

ARTICLE III

Powers and Duties of the Commission

(A) The commission shall adopt a seal and suitable bylaws governing its management and operations.

(B) Irrespective of the civil service, personnel or other merit system laws of any of the compacting states, the commission in its bylaws shall provide for the personnel policies and programs of the compact.

(C) The commission shall submit a budget to the governor and legislature of each compacting state at such time and for such period as may be required. The budget shall contain specific recommendations of the amount or amounts to be appropriated by each of the compacting states.

(D) The commission shall report annually to the legislatures and governors of the compacting states, to the Midwestern Governors' Conference and to the Midwestern Legislative Conference of the Council of State Governments concerning the activities of the commission during the preceding year. Such reports shall also embody any recommendations that may have been adopted by the commission.

(E) The commission may borrow, accept, or contract for the services of personnel from any state or the United States or any subdivision or agency thereof, from any interstate agency, or from any institution, foundation, person, firm or corporation.

(F) The commission may accept for any of its purposes and functions under the compact, any and all donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and services (conditional or otherwise) from any state or the United States or any subdivision or agency thereof, or interstate agency, or from any institution, foundation, person, firm, or corporation, and may receive, utilize and dispose of the same.

(G) The commission may enter into agreements with any other interstate education organizations or agencies and with higher education institutions located in nonmember states and with any of the various states of these United States to provide adequate programs and services in higher education for the citizens of the respective compacting states. The commission shall, after negotiations with interested institutions and interstate organizations or agencies, determine the cost of providing the programs and services in higher education for use in these agreements.

(H) The commission may establish and maintain offices, which shall be located within one or more of the compacting states.

(I) The commission may establish committees and hire staff as it deems necessary for the carrying out of its functions.

(J) The commission may provide for actual and necessary expenses for attendance of its members at official meetings of the commission or its designated committees.

ARTICLE IV

Activities of the Commission

(A) The commission shall collect data on the long-range effects of the compact on higher education. By the end of the fourth year from the effective date of the compact and every two years thereafter, the commission shall review its accomplishments and make recommendations to the governors and legislatures of the compacting states on the continuance of the compact.

(B) The commission shall study issues in higher education of particular concern to the Midwestern region. The commission shall also study the needs for higher education programs and services in the compacting states and the resources for meeting such needs. The commission shall, from time to time, prepare reports on such research for presentation to the governors and legislatures of the compacting states and other interested parties. In conducting such studies, the commission may confer with any national or regional planning body. The commission may draft and recommend to the governors and legislatures of the various compacting states suggested legislation dealing with problems of higher education.

(C) The commission shall study the need for provision of adequate programs and services in higher education, such as undergraduate, graduate or professional student exchanges in the region. If a need for exchange in a field is apparent, the commission may enter into such agreements with any higher education institution and with any of the compacting states to provide programs and services in higher education for the citizens of the respective compacting states. The commission shall, after negotiations with interested institutions and the compacting states, determine the cost of providing the programs and services in higher education for use in its agreements. The contracting states shall contribute the funds not otherwise provided, as determined by the commission, for carrying out the agreements. The commission may also serve as the administrative and fiscal agent in carrying out agreements for higher education programs and services.

(D) The commission shall serve as a clearinghouse on information regarding higher education activities among institutions and agencies.

(E) In addition to the activities of the commission previously noted, the commission may provide services and research in other areas of regional concern.

ARTICLE V

Finance

(A) The monies necessary to finance the general operations of the commission not otherwise provided for in carrying forth its duties, responsibilities and powers as stated herein shall be appropriated to the commission by the compacting states, when authorized by the respective legislatures, by equal apportionment among the compacting states.

(B) The commission shall not incur any obligations of any kind prior to the making of appropriations adequate to meet the same; nor shall the commission pledge the credit of any of the compacting states, except by and with the authority of the compacting state.

(C) The commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the commission shall be audited yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the commission.

(D) The accounts of the commission shall be open at any reasonable time for inspection by duly authorized representatives of the compacting states and persons authorized by the commission.

ARTICLE VI

Eligible Parties and Entry Into Force

(A) The states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin shall be eligible to become party to this compact. Additional states will be eligible if approved by a majority of the compacting states.

(B) As to any eligible party state, this compact shall become effective when its legislature shall have enacted the same into law; provided that it shall not become initially effective until enacted into law by five states prior to the 31st day of December 1995.

(C) Amendments to the compact shall become effective upon their enactment by the legislatures of all compacting states.

ARTICLE VII

Withdrawal, Default, and Termination

(A) Any compacting state may withdraw from this compact by enacting a statute repealing the compact, but such withdrawal shall not become effective until two years after the enactment of such statute. A withdrawing state shall be liable for any obligations which it may have incurred on account of its party status up to the effective date of withdrawal, except that if the withdrawing state has specifically undertaken or committed itself to any performance of an obligation extending beyond the effective date of withdrawal, it shall remain liable to the extent of such obligation.

(B) If any compacting state shall at any time default in the performance of any of its obligations, assumed or imposed, in accordance with the provisions of this compact, all rights, privileges and benefits conferred by this compact or agreements hereunder shall be suspended from the effective date of such default as fixed by the commission, and the commission shall stipulate the conditions and maximum time for compliance under which the defaulting state may resume its regular status. Unless such default shall be remedied under the stipulations and within the time period set forth by the commission, this compact may be terminated with respect to such defaulting state by affirmative vote of a majority of the other member states. Any such defaulting state may be reinstated by performing all acts and obligations as stipulated by the commission.

ARTICLE VIII

Severability and Construction

The provisions of this compact entered into hereunder shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any compacting state or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this compact entered into hereunder shall be held contrary to the constitution of any compacting state, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining states and in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters. The provisions of this compact entered into pursuant hereto shall be liberally construed to effectuate the purposes thereof.

History:

1990 c 518 s 1

135A.21 MEMBERS OF COMMISSION.

Minnesota members of the Midwestern Higher Education Commission must be appointed as provided in this section. One legislative member must be a member of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house for a two-year term; one legislative member must be a member of the senate appointed by the Subcommittee on Committees of the Rules and Administration Committee for a two-year term. Two at-large members, at least one of whom must be selected from the field of higher education, must be appointed by the governor. One at-large member must be appointed to a two-year term; one at-large member, and any regularly appointed successor to either at-large position, must be appointed to a four-year term. Vacancies must be filled by the appointing authority for the remainder of the unexpired term.

History:

1990 c 518 s 2

135A.22 EFFECT ON RECIPROCITY.

The enactment of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact has no effect on tuition reciprocity agreements under section 136A.08 that exist at the time of enactment.

History:

1990 c 518 s 3

TEXTBOOK DISCLOSURE, PRICING, AND ACCESS

135A.25 TEXTBOOK DISCLOSURE, PRICING, AND ACCESS.

Subdivision 1.Short title.

This section may be cited as the Textbook Disclosure, Pricing, and Access Act.

Subd. 2.Course material disclosures required.

(a) Beginning January 1, 2009, any publisher that sells or distributes course material for classroom use in a postsecondary institution must make the following available in an easily accessible manner to faculty, bookstores, and postsecondary institutions in Minnesota:

(1) the title, edition, author, and International Standard Book Number (ISBN) or other easily identifiable information for all course materials;

(2) the undiscounted price at which the course materials are available to a bookstore;

(3) the formats, including bundled and unbundled, in which those course materials are offered and the undiscounted prices of the various components, both sold separately or packaged together;

(4) a summary of revisions between current and previous editions of course materials; and

(5) the return policy for course material, including any penalties or conditions for returns.

(b) Any publisher that sells or distributes course material for classroom use in a postsecondary institution must make all bundled course material available to bookstores and postsecondary institutions in an unbundled form, or must provide notice if unbundled material is not available.

(c) Disclosure under this section is not required for mass-market and trade books that are not published, marketed, or sold primarily for classroom use in or by postsecondary institutions.

(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit any existing academic freedom or rights of faculty members to determine the most appropriate course material for the courses they teach.

Subd. 3.Educational strategies.

Public postsecondary institutions must develop educational materials considering the recommendations in studies by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and others and at least annually convene and sponsor meetings and workshops, and provide educational strategies for faculty, students, administrators, institutions, and bookstores to inform all interested parties on strategies for reducing the costs of course materials for students attending postsecondary institutions.

Subd. 4.Minnesota Office of Higher Education responsibilities.

For private postsecondary institutions, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education must develop educational materials considering the recommendations by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and others and at least annually convene and sponsor meetings and workshops and provide educational strategies for faculty, students, administrators, institutions, and bookstores to inform all interested parties on strategies for reducing the costs of course materials for students attending postsecondary institutions.

Subd. 5.Bookstores; course materials.

The University of Minnesota and private colleges are encouraged to comply with the requirements under section 136F.58, subdivisions 2, 2a, and 3.

History:

2007 c 144 art 2 s 10; 2009 c 95 art 2 s 3; 2012 c 270 s 3

135A.26 [Repealed, 1Sp2011 c 5 art 2 s 15]

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIPS

135A.30 MINNESOTA ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP.

Subdivision 1.Creation.

The Minnesota academic excellence scholarship program is created to reward students who have demonstrated outstanding ability, achievement, and potential in one of the following subjects: English/creative writing, fine arts, foreign language, math, science, or social science.

Subd. 2.Eligibility.

To be eligible to receive a scholarship under this section, a student must:

(1) graduate from a Minnesota public or nonpublic high school in the academic year in which the scholarship is awarded;

(2) successfully complete a college preparatory curriculum and demonstrate outstanding ability, achievement, and potential in one of the specified subjects;

(3) be admitted to enroll full time in a nonsectarian, baccalaureate degree-granting program at the University of Minnesota or at a Minnesota state university, or at a Minnesota private, baccalaureate degree-granting college or university; and

(4) pursue studies in the subject for which the award is made.

Subd. 3.Selection of recipients.

The governing board of an eligible institution shall determine, in consultation with its campuses, application dates and procedures, criteria to be considered, and methods of selecting students to receive scholarships. A campus, with the approval of its governing board, may award a scholarship in any field of study.

Subd. 4.Amount of scholarship.

The amount of the scholarship may be (1) at public institutions, up to the cost of tuition and fees for full-time attendance for one academic year, or (2) at private institutions, an amount up to the lesser of the actual tuition and fees charged by the institution or the tuition and fees in comparable public institutions. Scholarships awarded under this section must not be considered in determining a student's financial need as provided in section 136A.101, subdivision 5.

Subd. 5.Renewals.

The scholarship may be renewed yearly, for up to three additional academic years, if the student:

(1) maintains full-time enrollment with a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a four point scale;

(2) pursues studies and continues to demonstrate outstanding ability, achievement, and potential in the field for which the award was made; and

(3) is achieving satisfactory progress toward a degree.

Subd. 6.Number of awards.

The number of scholarships awarded each year shall be determined by the amount of contributions received under subdivision 8 plus the money available in the scholarship account, as provided in section 168.129, subdivision 6, that is credited to a postsecondary institution or system through sales of its license plates. The number of new awards must be determined after subtracting the actual and projected amount necessary for renewals.

Subd. 7.Distribution among campuses.

Postsecondary systems with more than one campus shall allocate at least three-fourths of the revenue available from the sale of license plates to the campuses to which the revenue is attributable. The governing board annually shall determine the distribution of the remaining portion among the campuses, after consideration of special needs or circumstances.

Subd. 8.Additional contributions.

A postsecondary system or campus may accept contributions, beyond those raised through the sale of license plates, to supplement the campus fund for academic excellence scholarships.

History:

1991 c 356 art 7 s 1; 2005 c 107 art 2 s 5-7

135A.50 [Repealed, 1992 c 513 art 1 s 28]

SENIOR CITIZENS HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAM

135A.51 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Scope.

For the purposes of this section and section 135A.52, the following words have the meanings ascribed to them.

Subd. 2.Senior citizen.

"Senior citizen" means a person who has reached 62 years of age before the beginning of any term, semester or quarter, in which a course of study is pursued, or a person receiving a railroad retirement annuity who has reached 60 years of age before the beginning of the term.

Subd. 3.Course.

"Course" means any course of study offered by a state supported institution of higher education in the regular curriculum of a department, school or subdivision of the institution, or a special course given for any purpose, including, but not limited to, adult education.

Subd. 4.Legal resident.

"Legal resident" means a person who fulfills the residency criteria now or hereafter applicable to students of a state supported institution of higher education.

Subd. 5.Institution of higher education.

"Institution of higher education" means a state university, community college, technical college, or the University of Minnesota.

History:

1975 c 219 s 1; 1975 c 321 s 2; 1987 c 258 s 12; 1989 c 246 s 2; 1995 c 212 art 3 s 59; 2007 c 144 art 2 s 11; 2010 c 364 s 3; 1Sp2011 c 5 art 2 s 1

135A.52 PROGRAM AND QUALIFICATIONS.

Subdivision 1.Fees and tuition.

Except for an administration fee established by the governing board at a level to recover costs, to be collected only when a course is taken for credit, a senior citizen who is a legal resident of Minnesota is entitled without payment of tuition or activity fees to attend courses offered for credit, audit any courses offered for credit, or enroll in any noncredit courses in any state supported institution of higher education in Minnesota when space is available after all tuition-paying students have been accommodated. A senior citizen enrolled under this section must pay any materials, personal property, or service charges for the course. In addition, a senior citizen who is enrolled in a course for credit must pay an administrative fee in an amount established by the governing board of the institution to recover costs. There shall be no administrative fee charges to a senior citizen auditing a course. For the purposes of this section and section 135A.51, the term "noncredit courses" shall not include those courses designed and offered specifically and exclusively for senior citizens.

The provisions of this section and section 135A.51 do not apply to noncredit courses designed and offered by the University of Minnesota, and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities specifically and exclusively for senior citizens. Senior citizens enrolled under the provisions of this section and section 135A.51 shall not be included by such institutions in their computation of full-time equivalent students when requesting staff or appropriations.

Subd. 2.Term; income of senior citizens.

(a) Except under paragraph (b), there shall be no limit to the number of terms, quarters or semesters a senior citizen may attend courses, nor income limitation imposed in determining eligibility.

(b) A senior citizen enrolled in a closed enrollment contract training program is not eligible for benefits under subdivision 1.

Subd. 3.Catalogue statement.

Each state supported institution of higher education shall prominently include in its catalogue a statement of benefits provided for senior citizens.

Subd. 4.Determination of qualifications.

The institution shall determine whether a person qualifies for, and require execution of appropriate forms to request, the senior citizen benefits.

Subd. 5.Placement.

The institution shall refer interested senior citizens to social service, community, and educational agencies for employment or volunteer work.

History:

1975 c 219 s 2-6; 1981 c 194 s 3; 1982 c 548 art 4 s 12; 1984 c 654 art 4 s 24; 1987 c 258 s 12; 1989 c 246 s 2; 1995 c 212 art 3 s 42,59; 2005 c 107 art 2 s 8,9; 2007 c 144 art 2 s 12,13

HIGH SCHOOL-TO-COLLEGE DEVELOPMENTAL TRANSITION PROGRAMS

135A.61 HIGH SCHOOL-TO-COLLEGE DEVELOPMENTAL TRANSITION PROGRAM GRANTS.

Subdivision 1.High school-to-college developmental transition program grants.

(a) The commissioner of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education shall award competitive matching grants to Minnesota public and private postsecondary institutions offering research-based high school-to-college developmental transition programs to prepare students for college-level academic coursework. A program under this section must, at a minimum, include instruction to develop the skills and abilities necessary to be ready for college-level coursework when the student enrolls in a degree, diploma, or certificate program and must address the academic skills identified as needing improvement by a college readiness assessment completed by the student. Developmental courses offered under this section must not constitute more than the equivalent of one semester of full-time study occurring in the summer following high school graduation. The courses completed in a program under this section must be identified on the student's transcript with a unique identifier to distinguish them from other developmental education courses or programs. Courses attended will not count towards the limit on postsecondary education used for state financial aid programs under sections 136A.121, subdivision 9, and 136A.125, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (4).

Grants must be awarded to programs that provide instruction and services including, but not limited to:

(1) summer developmental courses in academic areas requiring remediation;

(2) academic advising, mentoring, and tutoring during the summer program and throughout the student's first year of enrollment;

(3) interaction with student support services, admissions and financial aid offices; and

(4) orientation to college life, such as study skills or time management.

(b) Grants shall be awarded to eligible postsecondary institutions as defined in section 136A.103.

(c) Grants shall be awarded for one year and may be renewed for a second year with documentation to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education of successful program outcomes.

Subd. 1a.Eligible students.

(a) Eligible students include students who earned a high school diploma or its equivalent during the academic year immediately preceding the summer program and who meet one or more of the following criteria:

(1) are counted under section 1124(c) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (title I);

(2) are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch under the National School Lunch Act;

(3) receive assistance under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Law (title I of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996); or

(4) are a member of a group traditionally underrepresented in higher education.

(b) Eligible students include those who met the student eligibility criteria in the student's final year of high school and plan to enroll in college the academic year following high school graduation or its equivalency.

Subd. 1b.Application process.

(a) The commissioner of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education shall develop a grant application process. The commissioner shall attempt to support projects in a manner that ensures that eligible students throughout the state have access to program services.

(b) The grant application must include, at a minimum, the following information:

(1) a description of the characteristics of the students to be served reflective of the need for services listed in subdivision 1;

(2) a description of the services to be provided and a timeline for implementation of the activities;

(3) a description of how the services provided will improve postsecondary readiness and support postsecondary retention;

(4) a description of how the services will be evaluated to determine whether the program goals were met; and

(5) other information as identified by the commissioner.

Grant recipients must specify both program and student outcome goals, and performance measures for each goal.

Subd. 1c.Match required.

Applicants are required to match the grant amount dollar-for-dollar. The match may be in cash or an in-kind contribution.

Subd. 1d.Review committee.

The commissioner must establish and convene a grant selection committee to review applications and award grants. The members of the committee may include representatives of postsecondary institutions, school districts, organizations providing college outreach services, and others deemed appropriate by the commissioner.

Subd. 2.High school-to-college developmental transition programs evaluation report.

(a) Institutions that offer a high school-to-college developmental transition program must annually submit data and information about the services provided and program outcomes to the commissioner of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.

(b) The commissioner must establish and convene a data working group to develop: (1) the data methodology to be used in evaluating the effectiveness of the programs implemented to improve the academic performance of participants, including the identification of appropriate comparison groups; and (2) a timeline for institutions to submit data and information to the commissioner. The data working group must develop procedures that ensure consistency in the data collected by each institution. Data group members must have expertise in data collection processes and the delivery of academic programs to students, and represent the types of institutions that offer a program under this section. The data group must assist the commissioner in analyzing and synthesizing institutional data and information to be included in the evaluation report submitted to the legislature under subdivision 3.

(c) Participating institutions must specify both program and student outcome goals and the activities implemented to achieve the goals. The goals must be clearly stated and measurable, and data collected must enable the commissioner to verify the program has met the outcome goals established for the program.

(d) The data and information submitted must include, at a minimum, the following:

(1) demographic information about program participants;

(2) names of the high schools from which the students graduated;

(3) the college readiness test used to determine the student was not ready for college-level academic coursework;

(4) the academic content areas assessed and the scores received by the students on the college readiness test;

(5) a description of the services, including any supplemental noncredit academic support services, provided to students;

(6) data on the registration load, courses completed, and grades received by students;

(7) the retention of students from the term they participated in the program to the fall term immediately following graduation from high school;

(8) information about the student's enrollment in subsequent terms; and

(9) other information specified by the commissioner or the data group that facilitates the evaluation process.

Subd. 3.Report to legislature.

By March 15 of each year, the commissioner shall submit a report to the committees of the legislature with jurisdiction over higher education finance and policy that evaluates the effectiveness of programs in improving the academic performance of students who participated in the transition programs.

History:

2009 c 95 art 2 s 5; 2013 c 99 art 2 s 4,29

NOTE: The amendments to this section by Laws 2013, chapter 99, article 2, section 4, are effective for programs offered in the summer of 2014 and thereafter. Laws 2013, chapter 99, article 2, section 4, the effective date.