Passport Program to open doors for area students
A new collaborative program between Minot State University and Dakota College at Bottineau will provide a higher chance for students to succeed in earning a four-year degree. Starting this fall, freshman students who are not eligible to take classes at Minot State but still want to attend college, earn a bachelors degree and stay in Minot, can do so by participating in the Passport Program.
"As part of our desire to best provide opportunities for students to succeed, we are excited to offer a unique partnership with Dakota College at Bottineau," said Kevin Harmon, dean of admissions at Minot State University. "With the Passport Program, a student will take 24 credits of classes from both DCB and Minot State, while staying in the Magic City and then in their second year can transition seamlessly into Minot State as a full-time student."
This innovative program provides a way for students who are less academically prepared for the rigors of a four-year university by providing quality, general education courses through Dakota College and Minot State. After mastering the transition process from high school to higher education, freshmen will be better prepared to succeed in earning a four-year degree that best fits their skills and desire.
"What this truly comes down to is best serving the public in northwest North Dakota and throughout the state and region," said Ken Grosz, dean of Dakota College at Bottineau. "Too often a student jumps in head first into the unfamiliar waters of higher education, has a bad experience and drops out because of frustration and poor grades. The Passport Program will give this group just the right mix of general education courses, student life experience by living in the Minot area, and support services available through Minot State and Dakota College."
This year’s Passport Program is a pilot year for up to 25 students. The program will expand to serve more students starting in the fall of 2011. Students interested in speaking with a counselor about enrolling in the Passport Program can contact the MSU Enrollment Services office at 701- 858-3350.
08/06/10