ASUI discusses bill that would save NIC from losing accreditation 

ASUI is urging the Idaho senate to vote in favor of House Bill 226 in the Idaho legislature and save North Idaho College from losing their accreditation. This comes after infighting and poor policy choices from NIC’s board of trustees that have jeopardized the college’s accreditation status and federal grant money eligibility.  

ASUI President Tanner McClain is in full support of this bill and stands in support of NIC. “Advocating for House Bill 226 is the last hope for North Idaho College to keep its accreditation. This resolution will be an act of solidarity for NIC. The Vandal Family fully supports the Cardinal Family and their fight to keep accreditation,” McClain said. 

House Bill 226 would allow the Idaho State Board of Education to take emergency temporary power in place of the board of trustees at NIC and maintain its accreditation. This house bill would not only affect NIC, but all community colleges in Idaho, and safeguard them from incompetent leadership. If House Bill 226 does not pass in the legislature, then NIC could lose accreditation and shut down in July. 

ASUI Senate Pro-Tempore Nate Trachimowicz also expressed concern over the bill, stating, “The students of North Idaho College are some of the future leaders of our nation. They deserve access to quality education and opportunities that will equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. We must invest in their future access to resources and support them in pursuing their dreams.” 

The ASUI senate will decide any amendments and take the final vote on this bill in their next meeting. 

ASUI also discussed a bill that would encourage the University of Idaho and the City of Moscow to reinstate discounted tuition for students that are employed full-time as emergency first responders to the city of Moscow.  

Senator Daniel Hopovec, who sponsored the bill, stated, “By providing tuition assistance, sponsorships, scholarships, and discounted tuition to first responders of the City of Moscow, this resolution encourages educational advancement among local law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians. This in turn can help improve the quality of services they provide to the community of Moscow.” 

By reinstating discounted tuition for emergency first responders, Senator Hopovec hopes that the university and the city of Moscow can acknowledge the significant contributions that are made by these first responders. The decision to pass this bill will be made in the next ASUI meeting. 

Ben DeWitt can be reached at [email protected]