Exempts proprietary institution licensed to offer academic degrees that has operated in State for at least 25 years from requirement to provide teach-out plan in event of potential closure.
Impact
The proposed legislation is likely to significantly impact older proprietary institutions by relieving them of certain regulatory burdens that newer institutions still face. Proponents argue that this will enable these long-standing institutions to operate with increased flexibility, potentially improving their sustainability and continuity of educational services. By exempting them from the teach-out requirements, the bill acknowledges the historical reliability and established operations of these institutions, fostering an environment for them to thrive without additional state-imposed constraints.
Summary
Assembly Bill A1882 aims to amend existing legislation regarding proprietary institutions licensed to offer academic degrees in New Jersey. Specifically, it provides that any such institution that has been operating in the State for at least 25 years will be exempt from the requirement to submit a teach-out plan to the Secretary of Higher Education in the event of a potential closure. This bill is proposed as a response to the provisions set forth in P.L.2021, c.27, which mandates institutions to create and maintain a teach-out plan to ensure student protections during potential closures.
Conclusion
In summary, Assembly Bill A1882 presents a shift in regulatory expectations for veteran proprietary institutions yet poses questions surrounding student safety and institutional accountability. The ongoing debate surrounding this legislation reflects broader themes in the higher education landscape, particularly as they relate to the balance between regulation and institutional autonomy.
Contention
However, the bill may also spark discussion regarding the implications of exempting older institutions from these requirements. Critics may raise concerns about the need for oversight and the protection of students who attend these institutions. Without a mandatory teach-out plan, there may be fears regarding student welfare and the assurance that they will receive the degrees or educational services that they have invested in, particularly during an unexpected closure. They may argue that it could lead to inadequate protections compared to the newer institutions that must comply with stricter requirements.
Same As
Exempts proprietary institution licensed to offer academic degrees that has operated in State for at least 25 years from requirement to provide teach-out plan in event of potential closure.
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 online program manager providing marketing services for institution of higher education or proprietary institution licensed to offer academic degrees to self-identify as third party to prospective students.
Establishes provisions for use of applicant and student criminal history at institution of higher education and degree-granting proprietary institution.
Clarifies that law concerning requirements for closure of private career school applies to certain schools licensed by New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling.
Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.
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.
Phases out State tuition aid grants for students enrolled in proprietary institutions of higher education; redirects State tuition aid grant funding for students enrolled in proprietary institutions to summer tuition aid grant program.
Directs Secretary of Higher Education to revoke proprietary school's license to award academic degrees if school fails to achieve certain minimum graduation rates.
Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary 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.
Establishes provisions for use of applicant and student criminal history at institution of higher education and degree-granting proprietary institution.
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.