Connecticut House Bill HB05739

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/17
• Refer: 1/17/17

Caption

An Act Concerning The Creation Of General Education Courses To Allow For The Transfer Of Credits Between Public Institutions Of Higher Education.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5739 will significantly impact the landscape of higher education in Connecticut. The requirement for state colleges and the University of Connecticut to develop a standardized set of courses is expected to simplify credit evaluation processes, thereby increasing the number of students who can effectively transfer without losing credits. This could lead to improved student retention and graduation rates, as students will be less likely to extend their time in college due to credit mismatches. Furthermore, the bill aims to foster greater cooperation among state institutions, enhancing overall educational quality.

Summary

House Bill 5739 aims to facilitate the transfer of academic credits among public institutions of higher education in Connecticut by mandating the establishment of a specific set of general education courses. This initiative is intended to ease the process for students transitioning between colleges and universities, potentially leading to a smoother educational journey and reducing the time and costs associated with obtaining a degree. The bill emphasizes the importance of aligning curricula across institutions to support student mobility.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its potential benefits, there are underlying points of contention regarding its implementation. Critics may raise concerns around curricular standardization, questioning whether a one-size-fits-all approach adequately addresses the diverse educational needs and missions of individual institutions. Additionally, there is the challenge of balancing local control with state mandates, as some schools may fear losing autonomy over their academic offerings. Stakeholders will need to engage in constructive dialogue to ensure that the bill's objectives align with the needs of all educational institutions involved.