New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A2359

Introduced
1/13/26  

Caption

Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.

Impact

By enforcing the filing of degree plans, A2359 aims to enhance the accountability of both students and institutions in the pursuit of timely graduation. Institutions are also required to develop pathway systems to track graduation progress, including setting benchmarks for each academic major. This is expected to promote better student performance and reduce dropout rates by encouraging early identification of students struggling to meet academic standards.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2359, introduced in New Jersey, mandates that undergraduate students at four-year institutions and proprietary colleges file a degree plan. This plan must be completed by the time the student has amassed 60 credit hours. Those transferring with at least 45 credit hours are required to submit their plans during their second semester. Students at county colleges or proprietary institutions must file their degree plans after completing 30 credit hours. The goal of this requirement is to streamline the graduation process and ensure students remain on track academically.

Contention

There may be potential points of contention regarding the obligation placed on students to file degree plans as it may be perceived as an additional bureaucratic requirement. Critics might argue that this could unnecessarily burden students, especially if they are undecided on their major or are enrolled in remedial courses. Supporters, however, contend that such regulations will ultimately assist students in navigating their academic journey more effectively and achieving graduation in a more structured manner.

Companion Bills

NJ A2153

Carry Over Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.

NJ S3622

Carry Over Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.

Similar Bills

CA AB850

Institutional Debt Transparency Act.

NJ S1480

Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.

NJ S1504

Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.

NJ A2133

Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.

CA AB2771

California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

TX HB5180

Relating to the issuance of a diploma to a student graduating from a public institution of higher education that has undergone a merger, acquisition, or name change.

CA AB1098

California Education Interagency Council.

CA SB372

California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009: exemptions.