New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A2153

Introduced
1/9/24  

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 bill sets standards for degree planning that institutions of higher education and proprietary schools must develop. This includes creating a pathway system with graduation progress benchmarks specific to each major, ensuring all students, especially first-time and those needing remedial courses, have guided requirements starting from the outset of their studies. These benchmarks aim to monitor and encourage satisfactory academic progress, indicating a push toward improved student retention and graduation rates.

Summary

A2153 is a bill in New Jersey that mandates undergraduate students enrolled in certain institutions to file a degree plan in order to facilitate their path to graduation. Specifically, students at four-year institutions must submit their degree plans by the time they complete 60 credit hours. Transfer students who arrive with at least 45 credits will also be required to file their plans during their second semester. This accountability aims to ensure that students are aware of their academic requirements and trajectory towards earning their degree.

Contention

While bill A2153 aims to create a structured approach to degree completion, potential points of contention may arise with regard to the enforcement of these requirements. Critics may argue that such mandates could place additional pressure on students, particularly those transferring with extensive prior coursework, to meet specific timelines. Additionally, concerns may be raised regarding the flexibility of academic paths needed for students with diverse educational backgrounds and learning paces, particularly in light of individualized academic planning processes.

Companion Bills

NJ S3622

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.

NJ S1371

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

NJ A3144

Carry Over Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety 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 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 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 A2349

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

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 A2133

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.

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.