After three meetings among state lawmakers, community colleges and four-year institutions, state Sen. Nancy Todd said progress has been made in an effort to allow the two-year schools to grant a limited number of four-year degrees.

“What happened last year is that it was the lobbyists doing the talking. This time, I wanted to be at the helm and bring our adversaries together in the same room,” Todd said. “I think we’re in a more positive place than last year. There have been some very good conversations.”

A bipartisan bill dealing with the issue was narrowly defeated in the House during the last legislative session. The bill, co-sponsored by Todd, D-Aurora, would have allowed community colleges to award certain baccalaureate degrees, provided there was a need that wasn’t being met by four-year schools.

Proponents of the bill said it would give students, particularly those in rural areas, the chance to earn bachelor’s degrees in fields not offered by four-year schools. Examples of possible majors included dental hygiene and mortuary science.

Todd has renewed her efforts for the upcoming session, working with the bill’s supporters — as well as schools in opposition — to fashion a way forward.

While the lobbyists may not yet be in the room, there still is an element of political horse-trading taking place.

“I think it’s more a case of good fences making good neighbors — and we’re trying to make some good fences,” said Metropolitan State University of Denver president Stephen Jordan. “Say a four-year school wanted to have a (bachelor of arts) degree and a two-year school had a (associate degree) — would those students be allowed to transfer into the four-year program? That sort of thing wasn’t on the table before.”

One of the most vocal opponents last year was the University of Colorado. Its representative at the series of recent meetings has been Colorado Springs campus chancellor Pam Shockley.

The CU system’s opposition appears to be softening a bit.

“It’s a different year and a different bill,” said university spokesman Ken McConnellogue. “There are still some sticking points, and it’s a significant policy change for the state, so it’s important that everyone is being included in a thoughtful discussion.”

Colorado State University system chancellor Michael Martin opposed the bill last year, testifying against it in the House. Last week, Martin said that while he’s committed to the idea of increasing opportunities for all students, he remains unconvinced that Todd’s bill is the best way to go about it.

“The idea is to serve students who aren’t currently being served, and if it’s decided that this is the best way to do it, I’ll be the first one to stand up and cheer,” he said. “But I don’t know if this is the singular solution.”

Last year, the bill “came out of left field,” Martin said. “I didn’t believe that significant questions were asked and answered. Now, with a sense of collegial spirit, we’re having ongoing conversations and doing sufficient analysis to find the best solution.”

Anthony Cotton: 303-954-1292 or acotton@denverpost.com