Oklahoma House Bill HB2926

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21
• Report Pass: 2/9/21
• Engrossed: 3/10/21
• Refer: 3/17/21
• Report Pass: 3/30/21
• Enrolled: 5/2/22
• Passed: 5/4/22

Caption

Higher education; requiring educational institutions to provide an electronic link to a certain dashboard; content; effective date.

Impact

The implementation of HB2926 is expected to positively influence state laws governing higher education by mandating the disclosure of employment outcomes. This requirement aims to promote accountability among educational institutions, ensuring that they provide valuable insights into the success of their graduates. By offering a standardized source of information regarding employment trends and outcomes, the bill is poised to support students' educational investments and career planning.

Summary

House Bill 2926 mandates that all educational institutions within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education provide an electronic link to the Oklahoma State Regents Employment Outcomes Dashboard on their websites. This dashboard is designed to give prospective and current students access to critical employment-related information, including data on graduate employment, wages for specific majors, and outcomes classified by county and industry code. The incorporation of this data aims to enhance transparency and assist students in making informed decisions regarding their education and future careers.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB2926 appears to be largely positive as it aligns with efforts to improve the accountability and transparency of higher education in Oklahoma. Stakeholders, including lawmakers and educators, generally agree that providing access to employment data empowers students and enhances the overall value of higher education. There is a recognition that informed students are better equipped to make choices that align with market demands.

Contention

While there does not seem to be significant contention surrounding HB2926, discussions may arise regarding the logistical challenges of implementing the dashboard requirements and ensuring that the data is consistently updated and accurate. Some critics may express concerns around the potential oversimplification of graduate outcomes or argue that the dashboard should include additional contextual information to provide a fuller picture of the job market. Overall, these considerations are part of broader discussions on how best to serve students in higher education.