Fargo, N.D. (AP) The North Dakota Board of Higher Education has approved a strategic plan meant to improve graduation and student retention rates, but did not endorse admission standards in the proposal.
The plan includes adjustments to a controversial idea that was furthered by previous North Dakota University System Chancellor Hamid Shirvani before the board bought out his contract in July 2013.
College presidents had complained they didn't have a voice in the so-called "pathways to student success'' proposal, and believed the admission standards would lead to declining enrollments and keep out some students who could earn degrees.
The updated plan that followed six months of study includes new admissions criteria, but the board said at Thursday's meeting in Fargo it would discuss those in detail at a later date.