Connecticut House Bill HB06230

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/21
• Refer: 1/29/21

Caption

An Act Adding Additional Student Members To The Board Of Regents For Higher Education.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would facilitate a more inclusive governance structure within the Board of Regents, potentially leading to decisions that more accurately reflect the needs and perspectives of the student populations in Connecticut's public higher education system. By including student voices at the decision-making table, the legislation aims to bridge the gap between student needs and administrative policies, which can significantly impact various aspects of student life, including academic programs, student services, and campus activities.

Summary

House Bill 06230 seeks to amend section 10a-1a of the general statutes by adding two additional student members to the Board of Regents for Higher Education in Connecticut. This legislative change is designed to enhance student representation on the board, promoting greater input from the student body regarding higher education policies and decisions that affect them. The bill outlines that one of the additional student members should be enrolled in a state university within the Connecticut State University System or at Charter Oak State College, and the other should be attending a regional community-technical college. Both members are to be selected through a consensus vote by the student advisory committee.

Contention

As with many legislative proposals, there may be various perspectives regarding this bill. Proponents may argue that the inclusion of student members is essential to ensure that the perspectives of those directly affected by higher education policies are adequately represented. Conversely, some stakeholders may raise concerns about the effectiveness of student participation in such governance roles, questioning whether students can adequately contribute to discussions often dominated by seasoned administrators and policy makers.