BISMARCK, N.D. - Enhancing educational opportunities for employees of the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is the goal of a Memorandum of Agreement signed Jan. 4, 2008, by the NDDOCR, the North Dakota University System and the Bank of North Dakota.

The MOA signing took place Friday during a 1:30 p.m. news conference in BND's conference room at 700 E. Main Ave, Bismarck, N.D. The MOA provides a framework for cooperation among the three organizations in an initiative to increase NDDOCR employee enrollment in an online associate-degree program. Enrollment in the program begins Spring Semester 2008.

"We are excited about this opportunity to work with the partnering agencies," said Warren Emmer, director of the NDDOCR Division of Adult Services. "We believe this program will improve the department's ability to recruit and retain high-quality employees and provide them with opportunities to further their education."

"Bank of North Dakota stands ready to assist residents of North Dakota when it comes to attaining their higher education goals," said BND President Eric Hardmeyer. "We welcome the opportunity to provide expertise and information on behalf of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation."

"The Roundtable on Higher Education envisioned a university system that is flexible and responsive to the needs of its clients and one that prepares students to be personally and professionally successful, readily able to advance their careers," said Bill Goetz, NDUS chancellor. "This initiative with these important state partners demonstrates how the University System is meeting the expectations of the roundtable process and the needs of the people of North Dakota. This agreement may serve as a model for University System partnerships with other agencies."

With representation from the private and public sectors, in 2000 the Roundtable on Higher Education defined expectations of the NDUS and said the University System should play a larger role in enhancing the economic and social vitality of North Dakota.