Louisiana House Bill HCR161

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/19/15
• Engrossed: 5/20/15
• Refer: 5/25/15
• Report Pass: 6/1/15
• Passed: 6/11/15

Caption

Requests public universities to offer all bachelor's degree programs online

Impact

The impact of HCR161 is significant, as it addresses the existing limitations on online degree program offerings at Louisiana's public colleges and universities. While online courses have become more prevalent, attaining a complete bachelor's degree online remains challenging. This resolution aims to facilitate the necessary changes to ensure that students can fully pursue their degrees in a manner that accommodates their lifestyles and circumstances. By doing so, Louisiana can help reduce barriers for students who may face difficulties attending traditional in-person classes due to work obligations or geographic distance.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution No. 161 (HCR161) urges and requests Louisiana's public universities to develop and offer online courses that allow students to complete their bachelor's degrees entirely online. The resolution recognizes the growing popularity and benefits of online education, such as flexibility in scheduling, geographic accessibility, and cost reduction compared to traditional in-person classes. The intent is to further enhance access to higher education for all students, regardless of their location or personal commitments.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR161 is predominantly supportive, as it aligns with broader trends in higher education that favor online learning options. Advocates argue that this is a necessary step in modernizing the state's educational offerings and making higher education more accessible to all individuals. However, caution may be exhibited by some who are concerned about the potential for reduced quality in online education or the need for adequate support systems for online learners.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential challenges involved in ensuring the quality and rigor of online degree programs. As universities ramp up online course offerings, there may be debates regarding the adequacy of resources allocated for faculty training, technological infrastructure, and student services to support online learning. Furthermore, the resolution raises questions about how to balance the growing emphasis on online education with the traditional college experience, as some stakeholders advocate for maintaining in-person educational opportunities.