Council Discusses Midwest Student Exchange Program Revisions Based on Recent Report

The Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) Council agreed on new and refreshed goals at its July 22 meeting. The Council agreed to continue its focus on opportunities and cost savings for students and a means for enrollment management at colleges and universities in the MHEC region.

Members also discussed a major revision to transform MSEP into a clearinghouse that includes all institutions in the Midwest. Currently, MSEP only provides information on institutions that agree to charge students no more than 150% of the in-state resident tuition rate and private institutions offering a 10% reduction on their tuition rates. At the next MSEP Council meeting in September, members will review a draft policy and process manual that will provide transparency of roles and responsibilities for institutions, states, and MHEC. The manual would include items such as the process for institutions to join MSEP, data collection, and more.

These proposed changes come as a result of MHEC’s report Student Reciprocity  Programs and MSEP in the 21st Century. The MHEC Policy and Research team spent two years researching the history of MSEP, as well as looking at student exchange programs in other compact regions, decline of the out-of-state tuition model, and the increase in number of non-traditional and traditional underserved populations. The paper provides conclusions and recommendations for improvements to MSEP.  Questions about MSEP or the report may be directed to Sara Appel, MHEC associate director for policy initiatives.