Illinois Senate Bill SB1309

Illinois 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/6/23

Caption

HIGHER ED-ACADEMIC ADVISORS

Impact

The bill's impact is significant in that it formalizes the responsibility of academic advisors, aligning their duties with a legal obligation to act in the best interest of students. This change aims to improve the quality of guidance provided in academic settings, potentially leading to better outcomes for students in terms of academic performance and satisfaction. As a result, universities will need to establish more rigorous training and compliance mechanisms to meet these new requirements.

Summary

SB1309 aims to amend several laws related to the governance of public universities in Illinois. The bill mandates that governing boards of these institutions ensure that academic advisors and counselors act with a duty of care or fiduciary duty toward the students they advise. This implies that advisors must prioritize the best interests of their students when providing academic guidance and advice, thereby enhancing the accountability of academic support personnel.

Contention

Notably, the bill sparked discussions regarding the implications of imposing such fiduciary duties on academic advisors. Proponents argue that it is essential for protecting students and ensuring they receive unbiased, tailored advice. Conversely, some critics may view this as an administrative burden that could complicate the advisor-student relationship. Moreover, there could be concerns over the enforceability of fiduciary duties in academic settings and the potential for legal ramifications if advisors are perceived as failing to meet these standards.