"College Mental Health Services Act"; establishes grant program for public institutions of higher education and requires public institutions of higher education to report certain information concerning mental health treatment and suicides.
Impact
If enacted, this legislation will have a significant impact on how mental health is addressed within New Jersey's colleges and universities. By requiring institutions to report specific data on mental health service usage, including the ratio of students to mental health professionals and details about students who use these services, the bill aims to create transparency and accountability. This data-driven approach will help institutions identify areas for improvement and potentially guide future policies and funding efforts in mental health services for students.
Summary
Senate Bill No. 2195, known as the 'College Mental Health Services Act,' aims to enhance mental health services at public institutions of higher education in New Jersey. The bill establishes a grant program to allocate funds specifically to improve access to mental health services on college campuses. The intent of the program is to reduce wait times for students seeking mental health care, increase the availability of mental health professionals, and heighten awareness of mental health resources available to students. The funding can also support contracts with private entities to bolster these services.
Contention
There may be points of contention regarding the bill, especially concerning the effectiveness of the proposed measures in addressing mental health issues on campuses. Advocates for the legislation argue that it is a necessary response to the rising mental health challenges faced by students, particularly in the wake of increased public awareness around mental health. However, potential critics may argue that without sufficient funding from the state and explicit commitments to improve existing services, the effectiveness of the grant program may be limited. Additionally, how the data collected will be utilized could also spark debate among stakeholders in higher education and mental health advocacy.
Same As
"College Mental Health Services Act"; establishes grant program for public institutions of higher education and requires public institutions of higher education to report certain information concerning mental health treatment and suicides.
"College Mental Health Services Act"; establishes grant program for public institutions of higher education and requires public institutions of higher education to report certain information concerning mental health treatment and suicides.
Establishes student-athlete mental health specialists in school districts and public institutions of higher education; creates student-athlete mental health registry; makes appropriation.
Establishes student-athlete mental health specialists in school districts and public institutions of higher education; creates student-athlete mental health registry; makes appropriation.
Establishes the mental health educational opportunity program and the mental health higher educational opportunity program to provide additional educational opportunities for students at certain universities and colleges in the state to enroll in academic programs that lead to a degree or degrees required for licensure in any of the mental health professions.
Requires public institutions of higher education to report certain information concerning remedial course placement of Office of Secretary of Higher Education; requires secretary to produce report on course placements.
Requires tuition aid grant amounts to be equal for students enrolled in independent institutions of higher education and students enrolled in four-year public institutions of higher education.
Relates to improving student mental health and mental health literacy in institutions of higher education in the state; requires the amendment or adoption of related protocols, policies and programs in SUNY, CUNY and independent institutions of higher education.
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.
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.
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.
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.