Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to address and prevent fraudulent enrollment in online courses within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, particularly enrollment that aims to exploit financial aid, access campus information technology systems, and misuse student support services.

Main Provisions

• Creation of a Working Group: The bill mandates the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities to form an enrollment fraud working group.
• Develop Policies and Procedures: This group is responsible for creating strategies and guidelines to combat and prevent fraudulent enrollment in online courses.
• Reporting Requirements: The board is required to report their findings and proposed solutions to the legislative committees responsible for higher education by January 15, 2026.

Significant Changes

• Inclusion of Various Representatives: The working group must include representatives from multiple stakeholder groups, including:
  • Minnesota State University Student Association
  • Minnesota State College Student Association
  • Minnesota State College Faculty
  • Inter Faculty Organization
  • Minnesota Association of Professional Employees
  • Minnesota State University Association of Administrative and Service Faculty

This collaborative approach marks a significant step in organizing collective efforts across various university and college stakeholders to tackle enrollment fraud.

Relevant Terms

enrollment fraud, online courses, financial aid, campus information technology, student support services, working group, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, higher education.