New CSCU dual-credit advisory council formed; early work will focus on tuition and quality oversight

The Board of Regents Committee on Academic and Student Affairs heard on March 6 that a systemwide Dual Credit Advisory Council has been established to support and standardize dual and concurrent enrollment across Connecticut State Colleges and Universities.

Patrick Carr of the system office told regents the council—created under the board's June 2025 dual- and concurrent-enrollment policy—includes nine members nominated by CSU provosts. The group has already met several times, appointed two co-chairs (Chris Drury from Eastern and Kelly Falvey from Connecticut State Community College), and will submit reports each semester to the committee.

"The council has now been established and is actively underway," Carr said, noting orientation work began in October and the group reached a milestone in December when it selected co-chairs. He flagged tuition and fee structures for dual/concurrent programs as an early focus for the council.

Regent Porth asked what steps the board could take to accelerate expansion of dual enrollment. Committee members and council representatives said growth depends heavily on campus-by-campus relationship building between colleges and local districts, faculty oversight tied to accreditation and quality assurance, and addressing capacity constraints—especially the availability of faculty to coordinate concurrent offerings.

Chris Drury, one of the co-chairs, cited rapid growth at his campus and stressed quality assurance, including faculty oversight and pursuit of NACEP-style accreditation as institutions scale offerings. "The growth is happening really quickly," he said, adding that Eastern had seen a substantial increase in dual-enrollment participation.

The committee did not take formal action on the council at the meeting; Carr said the advisory group will bring specific findings and recommendations to the committee as its work progresses. The council's report and topics for investigation are included in the committee packet; regents asked staff to convey board support for enabling expansion where appropriate.

Next steps: the council will continue meetings through the semester and prepare specific recommendations for the committee; the board will monitor tuition/fee issues and any recommendations related to accreditation and faculty oversight.