function populateUniversities(htmlSelectElement, stateId, allowNonDecision) {
    allowNonDecision = !!allowNonDecision;
    // Disable the select element and clear it's contents
    htmlSelectElement.disabled = 'true';
    htmlSelectElement.innerHTML = '';

    // Attempt to retrieve an array of universities associated with this state
    new Ajax.Request('/site/GeoStates/getJsonUniversitiesByStateId/'+stateId, {
        method:'get',
        onSuccess: function(transport){
            var json = transport.responseText.evalJSON();

            if (typeof json == 'object') {
                // Add an option element for each university
                var initial = false;
                $H(json).each(function (pair) {
                    if (!initial && allowNonDecision) {
                        var opt = document.createElement('option');
                        opt.value     = '';
                        opt.innerHTML = '';
                        htmlSelectElement.appendChild(opt);
                    }
                    var opt = document.createElement('option');
                    opt.value     = pair.value;
                    opt.innerHTML = pair.key;
                    htmlSelectElement.appendChild(opt);
                    initial = true;
                });

                // Enable the select box and return
                htmlSelectElement.disabled = null;

            }
        }
    });
}