New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3144

Introduced
3/7/22  

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

The significance of A3144 lies in its potential impact on graduation rates and academic advising in New Jersey. By mandating the filing of degree plans and establishing graduation progress benchmarks, institutions are expected to enhance accountability and transparency in the educational process. The bill aims to facilitate student success by encouraging timely completion of degree requirements and minimizing unnecessary course enrollments, which could lead to smoother transitions for students, especially those transferring from other institutions.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3144 requires undergraduate students at four-year institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to file a degree plan by specific milestones in their academic journey. Particularly, students must submit their degree plans before completing 60 credits for four-year institutions and 30 credits for students at county colleges or proprietary institutions. This requirement aims to ensure that students have a clear pathway to graduation and are aware of their course requirements early on in their education.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the implementation and enforcement of these new requirements. Critics could argue that these mandates may impose additional administrative burdens on institutions and academic advisors, who will need to ensure compliance and manage regular reviews of student progress. Additionally, the effectiveness of academic advising services plays a pivotal role in the success of this initiative; without adequate support, the new system might not achieve its intended outcomes. Advocates for the bill, however, assert that the structure and guidance it provides will ultimately support student retention and graduation, addressing persistent challenges in higher education.

Companion Bills

NJ S1371

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

Previously Filed As

NJ A2359

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

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 S3776

Requires certain institutions of higher education and degree-granting proprietary institutions to submit certain documentation on online program managers to Secretary of Higher Education.

NJ S3360

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.

NJ S1487

Requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to notify Higher Education Student Assistance Authority of approved federal borrower defense loan discharge.

NJ A1327

Requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to notify Higher Education Student Assistance Authority of approved federal borrower defense loan discharge.

NJ S3750

Requires institutions of higher education and proprietary degree-granting institutions that have agreements with online program managers to disclose online program information.

NJ S3358

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.

NJ A2349

Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.

NJ A2098

Establishes limits on transcript release restrictions at institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions.

Similar Bills

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 A2359

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

NJ S3361

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.

NJ A4888

Establishes provisions for use of applicant and student criminal history at institution of higher education and degree-granting proprietary institution.

US SB4056

Proprietary Education Oversight Task Force Act

NJ S3776

Requires certain institutions of higher education and degree-granting proprietary institutions to submit certain documentation on online program managers to Secretary of Higher Education.

NJ A1293

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.

NJ S3300

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.