Connecticut House Bill HB05423

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/11
• Refer: 1/19/11

Caption

An Act Allowing The University Of Connecticut's Regional Campuses To Offer Four-year Degree Programs That Meet Specific Regional Needs.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would relieve some of the pressure on students who currently have limited access to four-year degree programs in their locality. By allowing UConn's regional campuses to offer such programs, the bill could promote educational equity and increase retention rates of students who might otherwise seek educational opportunities in other states. The provision for these programs would depend on the available appropriations, balancing regional educational needs with state budget considerations.

Summary

House Bill 5423 aims to amend Chapter 185 of the general statutes to enable regional campuses of the University of Connecticut (UConn) to offer four-year degree programs tailored to meet specific regional needs. The primary objective is to enhance educational accessibility for students living in Fairfield County and reduce the outflow of graduates leaving the state for higher education opportunities. The bill is rooted in the necessity of providing local solutions to educate and retain students, thereby fostering local development and addressing the issue of 'brain drain'.

Contention

While the bill is generally supported as a positive step towards improving educational opportunities in Connecticut, there may be concerns about the funding implications and the quality of education delivered in a newly established program. Critics could argue that financial constraints might limit the effectiveness and breadth of the programs offered. Additionally, questions may arise regarding how these regional programs will be integrated into the broader mission of UConn and whether they will meet the same standards as traditional campus offerings.