Connecticut Senate Bill SB00969

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/2/17
• Refer: 3/2/17

Caption

An Act Concerning The Governor's Higher Education Recommendations.

Impact

One significant impact of SB00969 is its goal to consolidate oversight of higher education policies under the revamped Board of Regents for Higher Education. This restructuring is expected to foster greater consistency in educational quality and financial management across Connecticut's public education institutions. Additionally, it seeks to align funding mechanisms with the strategic goals set forth in the master plan, which may lead to better allocation of state resources and address disparities in minority student achievement within higher education.

Summary

SB00969, titled 'An Act Concerning the Governor's Higher Education Recommendations,' aims to implement various initiatives related to the restructuring and improvement of higher education in Connecticut. The bill proposes the establishment of a Planning Commission for Higher Education responsible for developing a strategic master plan that addresses the state’s education needs in alignment with workforce demands. This strategic approach is intended to enhance not only enrollment and retention rates but also the quality of education that is provided across state colleges and universities.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill has faced contention from various stakeholders concerned about the implications of a centralized approach to higher education governance. Critics argue that while consolidation could lead to efficiency, it may also diminish the autonomy of individual campuses and limit their ability to respond to local educational needs. Furthermore, there are concerns about how funding changes may affect historically underserved populations and the overall mission of diverse educational institutions in the state.