New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S3622

Introduced
9/19/24  

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 legislation mandates that educational institutions create structured pathways that establish specific benchmarks for graduation progress for each major. This includes integrating essential introductory courses in mathematics and English in the first 24 credit hours students complete. The benchmarks will assist students in gauging their progress and ensuring they remain on track to graduation. Additionally, institutions will need to provide guidance to students who change their majors or have other significant academic changes, emphasizing the need for a revised degree plan, thus improving academic advising and support.

Summary

Senate Bill S3622 introduces a requirement for undergraduate students enrolled in four-year institutions in New Jersey to develop and submit a degree plan as part of their academic progression. This plan must be filed with the institution by the completion of 60 credit hours for students enrolled in four-year institutions, or for students transferring in with at least 45 credit hours, during their second semester. For those attending county colleges or proprietary institutions, the deadline is 30 credit hours. The bill aims to streamline the academic advising process and enhance students' clarity on their academic pathways to graduation.

Contention

While the bill is expected to improve student outcomes, there may be concerns regarding its implementation, particularly regarding the monitoring of academic progress. Critics could argue that the additional requirement to develop a degree plan and the stipulation of benchmarks may add unnecessary administrative burdens on both students and institutions. Furthermore, the requirement for institutions to review student progress regularly might raise questions about how resources are allocated and the feasibility of such comprehensive oversight. The effectiveness of these measures will depend on the institutions' capabilities to support such initiatives.

Companion Bills

NJ A2153

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 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 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 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 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 S1504

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.

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 S1458

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

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.