Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.
Impact
The implementation of this bill will require institutions of higher education to establish structured pathway systems that define graduation progress benchmarks across various academic majors. This includes ensuring that first-time degree-seeking students complete foundational courses in mathematics and English within their first 24 credit hours. Institutions will also be responsible for notifying students about these requirements during significant academic transitions, such as selecting a new major or encountering changes in their enrollment status.
Summary
Senate Bill No. 1480, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, aims to enhance the academic tracking and progress of undergraduate students in higher education institutions. The bill mandates that all undergraduate students enrolled in four-year colleges must file a 'degree plan' with their respective institutions by specific credit hour benchmarks—60 credit hours for first-time students and as early as 30 credit hours for students in county colleges or proprietary institutions. This initiative is designed to ensure that students have a clear educational pathway by detailing the courses required for their degree completion.
Contention
While the bill's proponents argue that it will provide students with clearer guidance and support towards timely graduation, there could be concerns regarding the potential administrative burden on institutions to track and manage these degree plans effectively. Additionally, some may argue that a one-size-fits-all approach may not address the diverse needs of students, particularly those in remedial programs who may require more flexible academic support. Overall, the debate surrounding this bill may reflect broader discussions about educational accountability and the best methods to encourage student success in higher education.
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.
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.
Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.
Applies provisions of "New Jersey College Student and Parent Consumer Information Act" to proprietary schools and limits eligibility for State student assistance programs to students enrolled in certain proprietary schools.
Requires certain institutions of higher education and degree-granting proprietary institutions to submit certain documentation on online program managers to Secretary of Higher Education.
Provides that former law enforcement officers who retired due to disability are eligible to receive tuition assistance to attend public institution of higher education or proprietary institution licensed to confer academic degrees.
Provides that former law enforcement officers who retired due to disability are eligible to receive tuition assistance to attend public institution of higher education or proprietary institution licensed to confer academic degrees.
Requires institutions of higher education and proprietary degree-granting institutions that have agreements with online program managers to disclose online program information.
Requires institutions of higher education to distribute information on availability of allowance for dependent care expenses in determination of cost of attendance.
Requires proprietary degree-granting institutions to disclose status as for-profit business; requires institution of higher education and proprietary degree-granting institution to disclose accreditation status.