Provides relative to retention of first-year students at public institutions of postsecondary education
Impact
If passed, HB 529 would modify existing agreements under the Louisiana Granting Resources and Autonomy for Diplomas (GRAD) Act, mandating that each institution's performance agreements include specific targets for student retention in addition to other educational metrics. The Board of Regents will be responsible for monitoring these rates and analyzing data from comparable institutions to establish acceptable retention benchmarks. Consequently, this could lead to improved student success and higher graduation rates across Louisiana's public colleges and universities.
Summary
House Bill 529 aims to enhance the retention rates of first-year students at public institutions of postsecondary education in Louisiana. The legislation introduces a requirement that institutions must retain first-year, full-time degree-seeking students at a rate that aligns with the predicted graduation rates of their peers. This is tied to the institutions' autonomy, including their ability to increase tuition, which is contingent upon meeting these student retention standards. The bill is part of broader efforts to improve outcomes in the state's public higher education system by ensuring that institutions focus on retaining students early in their academic careers.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB 529 appears to be generally positive among educational stakeholders who support the focus on student retention and success. Advocates argue that effectively retaining first-year students is critical to increasing graduation rates and improving the overall educational landscape in Louisiana. However, there may be concerns regarding the pressure this places on institutions to not only meet retention goals but also balance their financial needs, particularly with respect to tuition increases.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise surrounding the criteria for determining what constitutes an acceptable retention rate and how institutions achieve this threshold. Some may argue that the reliance on comparisons with peer institutions may not fully reflect the unique challenges faced by different colleges and universities. Additionally, there could be apprehensions about whether this legislation could lead to unintended consequences, such as institutions narrowing their admission criteria to favor students more likely to be retained, potentially impacting diversity and access in higher education.
Provides relative to the La. Granting Resources and Autonomy for Diplomas Act, including additional operational autonomies to be granted to public postsecondary education institutions and reporting requirements for such institutions and the Board of Regents (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
Provides relative to the La. Granting Resources and Autonomy for Diplomas Act including additional operational autonomies to be granted to public postsecondary education institutions and reporting requirements for such institutions and the Board of Regents. (gov sig) (OR NO IMPACT GF EX See Note)
Provides for a Board of Regents program under which postsecondary institutions agree to achieve certain standards in exchange for authority to increase tuition and for exemption from certain limitations (EN INCREASE SG RV See Note)
Authorizes public postsecondary education institutions to enter into performance agreements to be granted certain authority including to increase tuition and mandatory fee amounts for students
Provides relative to the duties of the Legislative Auditor relative to conducting certain audits of postsecondary education institutions (EN +$256,500 SG EX See Note)
Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.