UND works with other state institutions for expanded dual credit authorization – Grand Forks Herald

Report on the Expansion of Dual Credit Programs at the University of North Dakota in Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary: Advancing SDG 4 – Quality Education

The University of North Dakota (UND), following authorization from the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education, is strategically planning the expansion of its dual credit program for students in Grand Forks County. This initiative directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. By increasing access to tertiary-level courses for high school students, UND is contributing to key educational targets.

• Target 4.3: Ensuring equal access to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education by allowing high school students to earn college credit.
• Target 4.4: Increasing the number of youths with relevant skills for employment and decent jobs by introducing them to university-level curriculum, such as the specialized aviation course previously offered.

Regulatory Framework and Authorization

The expansion is enabled by a recent revision to the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education’s Policy 469, which governs the provision of dual credit programs within the state’s university system.

1. The policy was initially revised to grant North Dakota State University expanded dual credit authority in Cass County.
2. A subsequent revision, approved on September 4, granted similar authority to the University of North Dakota for Grand Forks County.
3. Prior to this revision, UND’s dual credit offerings were restricted to highly specialized courses, such as commercial aviation, where it held unique expertise within the system.

Fostering SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

In line with SDG 17, which promotes partnerships to achieve sustainable goals, UND is actively engaging in collaborative discussions with other educational institutions. This multi-stakeholder approach ensures a coordinated and effective enhancement of educational opportunities.

• Collaborating Institutions: Lake Region State College, Mayville State University, and Valley City State University are key partners in these discussions.
• Partnership Objective: The primary goal is to determine how UND can best complement existing dual credit offerings, avoid redundancy, and collectively enhance the educational landscape for students in Grand Forks County.
• Shared Vision: According to UND Provost Eric Link, the institutions are “all working together to try to make sure that students across the state and right here in Grand Forks County have great opportunities.”

Future Outlook: Strategic Curriculum Expansion

With the new authorization, UND can now consider a wide spectrum of curriculum for its dual credit program. The university is currently assessing which fields and disciplines would most effectively serve students and align with regional needs, thereby strengthening the local human capital base in support of long-term sustainable development.

• The central question is what additional courses UND should offer in partnership with existing providers.
• This expansion moves beyond the previously limited scope, opening possibilities for a diverse range of subjects.
• The strategic selection of new courses will be critical in defining UND’s future role in the county’s dual credit ecosystem and its contribution to achieving quality education for all.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

• SDG 4: Quality Education

  The article’s central theme is the expansion of dual credit programs by the University of North Dakota (UND). This initiative directly relates to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education by providing high school students with access to university-level courses and learning opportunities.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article highlights the collaborative effort among multiple educational institutions. UND is actively working with other universities to enhance educational offerings, which exemplifies the spirit of partnership required to achieve sustainable development goals.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

SDG 4: Quality Education

• Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.

  The dual credit program is a direct mechanism to improve access to tertiary education. By allowing high school students to earn college credit, it creates a smoother and potentially more affordable pathway to university. The article states the goal is to “make sure that students across the state and right here in Grand Forks County have great opportunities to get dual credit experiences.”

• Target 4.4: Substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.

  The program aims to provide skills that are relevant to future careers. The article mentions that UND has previously offered a specialized “aviation course, due to UND’s expertise in commercial aviation.” The expansion to a “wide spectrum of curriculum” suggests an intent to equip more students with a broader range of valuable skills before they formally enter university or the workforce.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

  The initiative described is a clear example of a public-public partnership. The University of North Dakota, a public institution, is collaborating with other public universities like “Lake Region State College, Mayville State University and Valley City State University.” The article emphasizes this collaboration, noting, “We’re all working together” and that UND is speaking with partners to “find the best way to enhance dual credit opportunities in the county.” This is all done under the authority of the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

Indicators for SDG 4

• Number of students participating in dual credit programs.

  The article implies this is a key metric by stating, “There are a number of students coming to UND with dual credit.” An increase in this number would indicate progress towards Target 4.3.

• Number and variety of dual credit courses offered.

  Progress can be measured by the expansion of course offerings. The article contrasts the previous limitation to primarily an “aviation course” with the new potential to “look at a wide spectrum of curriculum,” implying that an increase in the diversity of available courses is a goal.

Indicators for SDG 17

• Number of institutional partnerships established for dual credit delivery.

  The article mentions that UND is in discussion with at least three other institutions. The formalization and expansion of these partnerships serve as an indicator of progress towards Target 17.17.

• Enabling policies revised or created to facilitate partnerships.

  The revision of the “State Board of Higher Education’s Policy 469” is a concrete indicator of progress. This policy change is the primary enabler of the expanded partnerships and offerings discussed in the article.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: grandforksherald.com