First reduced-credit bachelor’s degree pilot program approved for Dickinson State University

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

A new 90-credit bachelor’s degree in management offered by Dickinson State University was approved during the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education’s (SBHE) April meeting. DSU developed the program in response to industry needs for supervisory skills and flexible pathways for non-traditional students.

The SBHE approved policies to allow several institutions to pilot reduced credit bachelor’s degree programs in January. DSU’s program is the first to be approved since the policies were enacted.

“Some have asked what kind of programs have been submitted to the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) in this reduced bachelor's degree area,” said Lisa Johnson, vice commissioner for academic and student affairs. “And management, as proposed by Dickinson State University, has been submitted by other institutions in the HLC region. Other programs were in cybersecurity, computer sciences, athletic training, or other areas, and many in the business and management and business administration area.”

DSU President Scott Molander said the industries in western North Dakota will benefit from having high quality supervisors to fill leadership shortages.

Board Business

In other business, the Board approved institutional nominations for faculty tenure. The Board also authorized an extension of interim financing for the Woods Hall project at DSU. The action allows more time to secure long-term bonding from local banks.

Committee Reports

For the Staff Senate, Member Anna Kinney said staff senates across the system are conducting elections for senators for the next academic year. She also discussed how campuses are welcoming new members to their institutions, including the presidents at both Bismarck State College and North Dakota State University. Staff Senate also is in the process of initiating its Staff Excellence Award in collaboration with the North Dakota University System (NDUS) office to recognize outstanding team members.

Dr. Lisa Montplaisir reported on the Council of College Faculties (CCF), which also has concluded its elections. The new CCF Board representative will be Crystal Alberts from the University of North Dakota. CCF also continues to have conversations about low-performing academic programs and what they mean for North Dakota higher education.

Student Member Maxwell Eriksrud reported for the North Dakota Student Association (NDSA). The group at its last meeting had a student showcase and panel discussion about what students find important in higher education. They were joined by SBHE Vice Chair D.J. Campbell, as well as System Office staff. The NDSA also elected new members, including new president Cameron Anderson. The group also has three names submitted to North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstong to be considered as the new SBHE student representative. Eriksrud also reported about his trip to Denver, Colorado, where he attended the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) Conference.

Member Curtis Biller reported for the Academic and Student Affairs Committee, and said the group mostly discussed low-producing academic programs.

Member Tim Mihalick reported for the Budget and Finance Committee, which heard a presentation about how the NDUS budget works and ongoing planning for the next legislative session.

Member Danita Bye reported for the Research Committee, giving a federal funding update. She also asked NDUS Chief Operating Officer Meredith Larson to lead a discussion on changes to the Research and Governance Committee. Going forward, members of the committee will complete a report during the monthly SBHE meetings, rather than continuing with a full committee, which will give members more time for their work.

During the meeting, Board members and Commissioner Brent Sanford also discussed ongoing work to revise the state funding formula, emphasizing the need for a more current, incentive-based approach that supports institutional growth and workforce alignment. Sanford said upcoming legislative committee meetings will address dual credit costs and funding formula recommendations, with North Dakota State University and University of North Dakota collaborating on consensus proposals for the research institutions.

The Board heard first readings for Policies 611.6 (Confidential Proprietary Information) and 611.18 (Employee Responsibility & Activities; Research on Human Subjects). Other policies were read and were waived for a second read, including Policies 404 (Collaborative Applicant) and (Mathematics and English Course Placement).

No public comments were made.

The next SBHE meeting will be on May 28, 2026.