On February 7, 2018, Missouri State University’s Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Advisory Committee met to discuss progress the university has made since its last evaluation by the HLC in 2015.

Criterion 2, titled Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct, states that, “The institution acts with integrity; its conduct is ethical and responsible.” Under this section of the evaluation, Missouri State was given recommendations for improvement in 2.B, which considered aspects of the university’s fees, affordability, and cost communications. The original recommendation reads as follows:

“One area that is more difficult to navigate than others is the information available to students and parents on fees of all types. MSU’s fee structure is very complicated, and the presentation should be revised to provide better clarity on what students would pay for certain programs due to the significant variability. Since there are many different program fees, students should be able to see tuition, mandatory fees, student computer fee, and program fees on the website listed by program to help students understand the total costs. Separate listings exist for residence halls and meal plans, and these separate listings are appropriate. While most information that the institution provides is clear, collectively, the information about student costs is confusing and should be reorganized and clarified” (p. 23).

The university has taken worked since to clarify the fee structure, including revisions to the university cost web page that explains fee structures for undergraduate, graduate, and international students. Periods of change in state funding and other revenues, and their impact on student fees, will be reflected in this page.

The HLC Council discussed positive changes to financial aid. The scholarship program is in the process of being increased, along with extended deadlines. This impacts items such as the MSU Promise Scholarship and the Missouri Access Grant. The university will find more ways to assist students with financial need.

The next HLC Council meeting will discuss Criterion 3 – Teaching and Learning: Quality, Resources, and Support.