MINOT (AP) - Minot State University officials are considering setting a minimum size for classes.

"We're discussing with the academic deans, chairs, faculty senate, students and others regarding how to handle low-enrolled courses," said Gary Rabe, vice president for academic affairs.

An early proposal would put the minimum size for an undergraduate course at 14 students and for a graduate course at seven students.

"This is very early in the process. The final product may end up very different from the current draft," Rabe said.

Several areas would be exempt from the minimum, including independent study, honors seminars and thesis classes. College deans also would have authority to waive the minimum rule if a class with low enrollment met certain requirements.

"The informal practice of canceling courses with low enrollment has been going on for decades," Rabe said. "This is an attempt to make more consistent the practice of dealing with low-enrolled courses."