New KBOR Academic Changes Streamline Path to Higher Education for Kansas Students

The Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) recently announced significant updates to the state's academic curriculum. The changes, aimed at enhancing the transfer process between community college and Kansas universities, places the state in greater alignment with most U.S. states. Butler Community College administration sees the changes positively impacting its students beginning fall 2024.

“It has been a herculean lift for Butler faculty. But our catalog is updated, and classes are aligned with the academic buckets put forth by KBOR, so we are ready to serve enrolling students in this new system.” said Dr. Phil Speary, dean of institutional effectiveness and co-interim vice president of academics at Butler.   

These changes expand the general education options students can take for guaranteed transfer to a Kansas university. And, there’s a change for algebra. While Butler’s 5-week math modules have been instrumental in helping students successfully conquer algebra, many still struggle. Starting this fall, college algebra is no longer required for certain pathways.   

“I suspect some students will enjoy that,” Speary said. “Algebra is no longer a barrier for pathways not heavily focused on science or math. Other math offerings can fill the academic need, like contemporary math, for example.”   

This creates a common language and unified framework for General Education (GE) requirements across all Kansas institutions. While Butler structures its AA and AS degrees to transfer to state universities, a broader scope of credits will now transfer seamlessly. The framework outlines GE "buckets," providing students with a roadmap to fulfilling their academic requirements.   

Another benefit is the opportunity for significant cost-savings for community college students. Community College students can complete approximately 35 credit hours within the Systemwide General Education requirements at a lower tuition rate and the credits are guaranteed to transfer to any Kansas public university.  

“For high school students taking dual-credit classes, and for traditional part-time or full-time students, this can be a great benefit. Students will know exactly what ‘bucket’ their classes fulfill at Butler and at their transferring institution,” said Amy Kjellin, Director of the Flint Hills for Butler, who oversees Butler sites in both Marion and Council Grove. “This supports Butler’s mission to provide affordable, quality education while allowing our students to take advantage of flexible, online and in-person classes.  

“Working extensively with high school enrollment, aligning our academic programs for stronger transfer, plus high school tuition waivers and career and technical education (CTE) classes (some tuition free), expands the opportunities for our high school students in Butler County and our service-area,” said Kjellin.  

Kjellin added, “Butler advisors, faculty, and staff are ready to guide students through the transition. Butler has always focused on transferability. This broadens the choices of classes students can choose. It is a win for students who complete their Systemwide Gen Ed package and emphasizes the seamless connection for students between the community college system and the university degree.”  

For more information on program pathway requirements or to enroll, contact advising@butlercc.edu or call 316-323-6259.