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 bill introduces a formalized pathway system that requires institutions to establish graduation progress benchmarks for each academic major. First-time degree-seeking students must include applicable mathematics and English courses within their first 24 credit hours, ensuring that foundational courses are addressed early in their education. Additionally, students enrolled in remedial courses must take the respective credit-bearing course concurrently or soon after the remedial course, which emphasizes timely progression through foundational skills necessary for degree completion.
Summary
Senate Bill S1371 aims to enhance the educational framework within New Jersey's higher education system by mandating undergraduate students enrolled in four-year institutions to file a degree plan. This requirement is designed to ensure that students declare their course of study early during their academic journey—specifically, no later than after their completion of 60 credit hours. The bill also requires similar filing for students at county colleges or proprietary institutions after 30 credit hours, thereby fostering a structured approach to academic management from the outset.
Contention
While the bill seeks to facilitate degree completion and enhance students' academic journeys, it could generate discussions around its implications for student autonomy. Some may argue that mandating a degree plan could limit a student's flexibility in exploring their academic interests. Conversely, proponents assert that early declaration and structured pathways improve overall graduation rates and student preparedness for the workforce. Institutions will also be required to provide guidance, thereby ensuring that students who change majors or face other academic challenges are advised to update their degree plans accordingly.
Same As
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 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.
Requires certain institutions of higher education and degree-granting proprietary institutions to submit certain documentation on online program managers to Secretary of Higher Education.
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.
Requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to notify Higher Education Student Assistance Authority of approved federal borrower defense loan discharge.
Requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to notify Higher Education Student Assistance Authority of approved federal borrower defense loan discharge.
Requires institutions of higher education and proprietary degree-granting institutions that have agreements with online program managers to disclose online program information.
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.
Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.
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.