Requires public postsecondary education management boards to establish policies for forgiveness of outstanding student fee balances of certain students who have resigned and seek reenrollment (OR DECREASE SG RV See Note)
Impact
The implementation of HB 322 is designed to alter the financial landscape for returning students significantly. By providing for a one-time waiver of delinquent tuition and fees, it encourages individuals who may have left school due to financial reasons to resume their education. This can potentially increase retention rates at public colleges and universities, assist in general workforce development, and diminish the debt burden on students who previously faced hindrances in their academic pursuits due to cleared financial dues.
Summary
House Bill 322 mandates that public postsecondary education management boards in Louisiana create policies to forgive outstanding student fees for those students who have withdrawn and later seek to reenroll. This legislation recognizes the challenges faced by nontraditional students, particularly those who may have dropped out due to financial burdens. The bill outlines specific conditions under which fee forgiveness can occur, aiming to make higher education more accessible for returning students.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB 322 appears to be largely positive, particularly among educators and advocates for nontraditional students. Supporters believe the bill is a step forward in reality by facilitating educational access for those individuals who have faced challenges post-resignation. However, concerns arise regarding the potential loss of revenue for educational institutions, which could lead to a more critical assessment of financial implications for the state's education budget.
Contention
Despite the general support, there are notable points of contention surrounding HB 322. Critics express concerns regarding the enforcement and administration of the waiver policy, especially the potential for misuse of fee forgiveness provisions. Moreover, the implications of waiving fees could question the sustainability of existing funding models for higher education. Balancing the needs of returning students with the fiscal health of educational institutions will be crucial in navigating the outcomes of this legislation.
Requires public postsecondary education management boards to establish policies for forgiveness of unpaid student tuition and fees of certain students who have resigned and seek reenrollment (OR DECREASE SG RV See Note)
Authorizes, with limitations, public postsecondary education management boards to establish and increase student tuition and mandatory fees (EN INCREASE SG RV See Note)
Extends, with limitations, the authority of public postsecondary education management boards to establish and increase student fees (EN INCREASE SG RV See Note)
Authorizes the public postsecondary education management boards to increase tuition and fee amounts under certain circumstances (EG INCREASE SG RV See Note)
Authorizes public postsecondary education management boards to increase tuition and provides for limitations and exceptions (EG INCREASE SG RV See Note)
Authorizes public postsecondary education management boards to increase tuition and provides for limitations and exceptions (EG INCREASE SG RV 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.