Mississippi House Bill HB361

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/23
• Refer: 1/9/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Postsecondary educational institutions; require to provide certain information to students upon declaration of a major.

Impact

If enacted, HB 361 will require institutions to adhere to stricter guidelines concerning the dissemination of educational information. This not only adds a layer of accountability but also aligns with ongoing efforts to improve educational outcomes by ensuring prospective students have access to comprehensive data about their chosen fields of study. Moreover, these requirements may prompt institutions to enhance their resources and support systems to better assist students throughout their educational journeys.

Summary

House Bill 361 is designed to enhance transparency and provide critical information to students at publicly funded postsecondary educational institutions in Mississippi. The bill mandates these institutions to annually inform students about various aspects upon their declaration of a major. This information is intended to include the projected duration for completing the degree, the total cost of attendance, the average salary of graduates in that major, and job prospects in the relevant field. This initiative aims to support students in making informed decisions regarding their academic paths and future careers.

Contention

There are potential points of contention regarding HB 361, particularly how institutions will manage the logistics of providing accurate and timely information. Concerns may arise over the administrative burden this may impose on colleges and universities, especially smaller institutions with fewer resources. Furthermore, while the intent is to empower students, some may argue that the actual delivery of such information could lead to information overload or misinterpretation, thus raising questions about the effectiveness of such measures in truly aiding student decision-making.