The university's Board of Trustees today approved a proposal to expand the number of high schools offering the University/High School Program. It is currently available to students at Batesville, Hamilton Heights and Westfield high schools.

Students may receive college credit for enrolling in university-level courses taught at their high schools by Ball State faculty and some high school instructors approved by the university.

"These classes enhance the curriculum of Indiana high schools," said Frank Sabatine, dean of the School of Continuing Education and Public Service, which manages the program. "It gives high school students the opportunity to participate in a highly challenging class under the direction of university faculty.

"In the last several years we have had numerous requests from area superintendents to expand the program," he said. "There is obviously a need to offer students this opportunity."

The cost for a three-hour class is $250, which is $146 less than the regular off-campus tuition rate.

"We want to make the program as affordable to high school students and their families as possible," Sabatine said. "We don't want to shut out any potential student simply because of their economic status."

Students may select from 32 courses typically taken by college freshmen and sophomores. Classes will be offered during the school year and summer during regular class hours, evenings and Saturdays.

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Sabatine at fsabatin@bsu.edu or (765) 285-1581.)