MACRAO: Re: underage student request to enter CTE program

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Re: underage student request to enter CTE program

Hi Stephanie,

That is a bit of a tricky one! In a case/scenario like the one you described, I would first attempt to explain and stronly encourage the parent and student to consider holding off on enrolling in such a course for credit until meeting the recommended MUS system guidelines/policy of being age 16 or “junior” standing (which often times by homeschool standards can be somewhat loosely defined).

However, if the student insists there is a time sensitive or uniquely compelling enough reason to justify being enrolled prior to age 16, I would require a number of letters of recommendation/specific statements of support from outside the parent or family (or the individual(s) who administer the homeschool program) advocating for or making the case that the student will benefit from the course and is prepared, mature enough & physically able (think liability) to handle the demands in a course of this nature and/or have the student meet directly with the welding instructor and allow this faculty member to formally assess or conclude if this student has adequate preparation or is mature enough to be successful in managing the requirements of the course.

That would be my strategy, but granted it is subjective in approach and may not be overly helpful.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Best,

Diane

Diane Dorgan

Dual Enrollment & Career Pathways Program Manager

Gallatin College/Montana State University

101 Hamilton Hall, PO Box 170515

Bozeman, MT 59717-0515

Ph. (406)994-2646; fax (406)994-5577

Email: dorgan@montana.edu

www.gallatin.montana.edu

From: MACRAO Listserv [mailto:MACRAO@LISTSERV.GFCMSU.EDU] On Behalf Of Cowen, Stephanie
Sent: Tuesday, July 09, 2019 12:59 PM
To: MACRAO@LISTSERV.GFCMSU.EDU
Subject: underage student request to enter CTE program

Hello all,

I was seeking feedback from any of my two-year college colleagues on a bit of a unique request at our City College campus. We have been approached by a 14 year old homeschool student and her mother, with a request to enroll in our welding courses (lecture and lab). Dena Wagner-Fossen gave me some great feedback and MUS policy to utilize but I am wondering if anyone else has had a similar request and how it was handled.

Thanks in advance for any and all feedback.

Stephanie Cowen

Director of Student Services

City College

3803 Central Avenue

Billings MT 59102

Office: 406.247.3005

Fax: 406.247.3095

scowen@msubillings.edu