New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S3539

Introduced
1/30/23  

Caption

Requires public institution of higher education to study cost drivers, administrative productivity, organizational structure, space utilization, and faculty productivity.

Impact

The implications of S3539 on state laws are significant, as it formalizes a structure for assessing administrative productivity and operational efficiency within public higher education institutions. By requiring institutions to report findings on administrative productivity and faculty output biennially, the legislation seeks to enhance accountability and transparency in how these institutions allocate resources. Additionally, the practice of conducting space utilization studies and organizational reviews will enable universities to optimize their facilities and administrative structures, potentially leading to cost reductions for students.

Summary

Senate Bill S3539, introduced in New Jersey, mandates public institutions of higher education to conduct a comprehensive analysis of their operational costs and administrative practices. The bill requires these institutions to develop a cost diagnostic that identifies factors influencing the costs of providing educational services over the past decade. By examining key drivers of costs, revenue, and the impact of these factors on tuition and student fees, the bill aims to provide a clearer understanding of financial obligations in higher education.

Contention

There may be contention around the implementation of S3539, particularly regarding the criteria for measuring administrative productivity and the potential impact on faculty workloads. While the bill is designed to promote efficiency, there are concerns that it could lead to pressures on faculty members to increase output without necessarily improving educational quality. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the cost diagnostics and productivity measures will depend heavily on the standards established by the Secretary of Higher Education, raising questions about their adequacy and impact on local governance of educational institutions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ S3292

Requires public institution of higher education to study cost drivers, administrative productivity, organizational structure, space utilization, and faculty productivity.

NJ S3298

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish common course numbering system for public institutions of higher education.

NJ HB7606

Powering Productivity Act

NJ S3296

Requires public institution of higher education to provide alternative scholarship to student-athlete who loses athletic scholarship due to injury.

NJ S812

Requires public institution of higher education to award academic credit to certain volunteer emergency responders.

NJ S3286

"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.

NJ S1135

Requires institutions of higher education and government employers to provide certain students and employees with information about Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

NJ A850

Establishes Commission on Administrative Costs of Public Institutions of Higher Education.

NJ S1134

Provides free tuition at public institutions of higher education for surviving spouses and dependent children of military personnel killed in performance of duties.

NJ A2552

Requires public institutions of higher education to disclose all financial donors.

Similar Bills

NJ S2031

Requires institutions of higher education to maintain supply of opioid antidotes and permits emergency administration of opioid antidote by campus medical professional or trained employee.

NJ A2124

Requires institutions of higher education to maintain supply of opioid antidotes and permits emergency administration of opioid antidote by campus medical professional or trained employee.

NJ A850

Establishes Commission on Administrative Costs of Public Institutions of Higher Education.

NJ A3800

Requires institutions of higher education to maintain supply of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray for opioid overdose emergencies and permits emergency administration of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray by licensed campus medical professionals and resident assistants.

NJ S3292

Requires public institution of higher education to study cost drivers, administrative productivity, organizational structure, space utilization, and faculty productivity.

TX HB4912

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TX SB2231

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MS SB2219

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