“Students taking classes through the HHEC are University of Montana students, with a UM transcript, earning credits towards a UM degree and diploma,” Laurence said. “There is no such thing as a HHEC degree or diploma.

“We are the University of Montana, and share its excellent reputation and great respect. Our HHEC students have the right to take pride in that,” he said.

HHEC is also known as University of Montana in the Bitterroot Valley.

Laurence said HHEC students seem to be taking more UM College of Technology courses, thus, more UM-COT classes will offered this fall. This semester, five of the eight courses offered are UM-COT courses.

“With the HHEC starting its second year, we see that quite a few of our students intend to follow a college of technology business program, such as accounting technology or administrative management,” Laurence said. “So this fall semester, we have scheduled such required courses as Principals of Business Law and Accounting 1, and in the spring we plan to offer Accounting 11 and Business Law.”

This semester, the HHEC is also offering basic writing and math courses that are often required for any college major or degree.

“There is no doubt we have many potential students who need these beginning courses in writing, math and computer technology,” Laurence said. “This may be particularly true for non-traditional students who have been away from school for a number of years. In both subjects, small class size can be a real advantage for learning.”

HHEC classes will transfer to any accredited university.“We also have a few students who are not seeking a degree,” Laurence said. “They might be taking one or two courses for their own career development plans.”

All HHEC students register with the University of Montana and pay tuition and fees as either University of Montana or College of Technology students, he said.

Last spring, the HHEC gleaned more than $16,000 in scholarships specifically for Bitterroot Valley students enrolled in HHEC courses.

Last January, Edward L. Hutton, an educational philanthropist and businessman in Cincinnati donated more than $15,000 to the University of Montana Foundation to create a scholarship fund to help Bitterroot Valley students take one or more UM classes.

“Very many prospective college students in the Bitterroot Valley need financial aid,” Laurence said. “They have clear reasons they can’t be full-time students in Missoula. They have jobs here, family responsibilities here. Travel to Missoula is expensive and takes many hours every week.”

Hutton’s grant will be used specifically for funding the cost of selected student courses. If an HHEC student is already enrolled in one course, the Hutton donation will match the cost of the first course by funding a second.

Students may qualify for scholarships ranging from $400 to $700, based on the cost of the student’s first course. If some funds are left over, the student may use the money to purchase books.

“These scholarships are unlike any others I know about,” Laurence said. “They are for students who need some financial help and are willing to take a least two courses. Hutton’s scholarships cover the cost of their second course, so now the degree is that much closer. And some students are now renewing these exceptional scholarships for their second semester or third semester of HHEC course offerings.”

Applications for financial assistance are due on Friday, Sept. 5.

A public informational meeting regarding HHEC admission and fall courses will be held Thursday night, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Hamilton Carriage House, where all HHEC courses are held.

For more information on the HHEC, visit www.hamiltonhec.umt.edu or contact HHEC Director Frank Laurence at 363-5410 ext. 115 or email frank.laurence@umontana.edu

Reporter Jenny Harris can be reached at 363-3300 or at jharris@ravallirepublic.com

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