REGENTS REPORT

South Dakota Higher Education: Good Investment. Great Future. NO. 65, 02/14/97

Sioux Falls Center for Public Higher Education

Meeting the Changing Needs of Non-traditional Students

South Dakota's Unified System of Public Higher Education is charged with meeting the educational needs of people across the state. An important segment of the population that has demonstrated a need for higher education are the non-traditional students. These are students who do not fit the traditional concept of a 17-21 year old heading off to college for four years. Rather, the non-traditional student is typically over the age of 25, has a career, and may have a family. The non-traditional student has unique needs and is often seeking higher education for professional and personal enrichment.

Sioux Falls Center for Public Higher Education

The Sioux Falls Center for Public Higher Education (CPHE) was formed in 1992 as a collaborative effort of Dakota State University, South Dakota State University, and the University of South Dakota. All three universities were providing courses in Sioux Falls before 1992, and the formation of CPHE ensured the efficient and effective allocation of resources without unnecessary duplication or competition. CPHE offers 23 programs ranging from the certificate to the master's level.

Students enrolled at CPHE are students of one of the three universities. CPHE does not admit students, issue grades or degrees, have its own faculty, or make substantive program decisions. Rather, CPHE is the vehicle by which DSU, SDSU, and USD can provide programs to non-traditional, place-bound students in the state's largest city.

Objectives of the Sioux Falls Center for Public Higher Education

1. To provide educational opportunities, with emphasis for the working adult population, in response to the economic and employment needs of the Sioux Falls metropolitan area.

1. To deliver complete degree program, courses, and services in Sioux Falls at a level of quality commensurate with on-campus programs.
2. To enhance course and program opportunities beyond what any one university could individually provide for purposes of career advancement and personal enrichment.
3. To provide community access to public higher education opportunities.

The Center strives to serve the non-traditional student, who needs programs designed for career change or enhancement. A typical four-year degree program can not be completed in four years at CPHE, some students opt to complete some of their course-work on one of the three campuses in order to finish their degree faster. The importance of CPHE to many is the opportunity it creates by making public higher education accessible in Sioux Falls-close to home and work.

Who Attends CPHE?

In Fall 1996, headcount enrollment at the Center was 930 students. Three quarters of them are 24 or older.

Age Distribution of CPHE Students

Unduplicated Headcount, Fall 1996

SOURCE: Board of Regents

What is the Need?

Currently, CPHE student take courses at nine different sites across the city, and some sites change from semester to semester. In addition, one of the primary sites for CPHE will no longer be available after this summer. The Board of Regents has researched the Sioux Falls market for existing facilities to lease; primary considerations were location, accessibility, cost, visibility, availability, and safety. The Regents is placing priority on a facility solution that would create partnerships with existing entities in Sioux Falls, rather than a stand-alone facility. The two sites under consideration involve partnerships with Southeast Technical Institute or the Good Samaritan Society, and each would provide the land for the Center at a nominal cost.

Courses are offered during the daytime, evening, and over the weekend. The table below shows the breakdown of course offerings by time of day and semester.

Course Offerings by Time of Day

Summer 1996 - Spring 1997

Conclusion

The Sioux Falls Center for Public Higher Education is providing a service with demonstrated demand in the Sioux Falls area. CPHE is geared to the non-traditional, place-bound student who needs opportunities offered by public higher education or who may not be able to travel to the campus communities because of commitments to work and family. The Board of Regents has thoroughly researched and considered alternatives to meet the need of the non-traditional student.