Establishes commission to advise Secretary of Higher Education on students' issues of concern.
Impact
The creation of the commission represents a significant step in addressing the voices and needs of students in the New Jersey education system. By enabling representation from diverse educational sectors, the commission is expected to tackle systemic issues, such as the affordability of postsecondary education, student mental health, and campus safety. The commission is mandated to provide the Secretary of Higher Education with insights and recommendations based on student experiences, which could influence future legislative actions and policies affecting higher education.
Summary
Senate Bill S1643 establishes the New Jersey Higher Education Student Advisory Commission aimed at representing student interests and concerns within the higher education system. This commission will consist of 14 members, including representatives from various educational institutions in the state, such as state colleges, public research universities, county colleges, independent colleges, and proprietary institutions. The bill emphasizes the importance of student involvement in educational policy-making and discussions regarding critical issues that affect their experience in higher education.
Contention
While supportive legislators may view S1643 as a progressive move to engage students in their educational governance, there may be concerns about the effectiveness and responsiveness of such a commission. Critics might argue whether a commission of this nature will be adequately funded and equipped to enact meaningful change or whether it will become merely an advisory body with limited authority. Additionally, the logistics surrounding member appointments and representation may raise questions about achieving true representation of student interests across New Jersey's diverse higher education landscape.
Establishes scholarship program for students at public institutions of higher education pursuing certain community service-oriented opportunities; requires Secretary of Higher Education to establish grant program; appropriates $10 million.
Requires certain institutions of higher education and degree-granting proprietary institutions to submit certain documentation on online program managers to Secretary of Higher Education.
Establishes "Minority-Serving State College and University Stabilization Program" in Office of Secretary of Higher Education; appropriates $20 million.
Establishes Student Tuition Recovery Fund in Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to compensate students impacted by failing or fraudulent proprietary institutions.
Requires Secretary of Higher Education and DOLWD to establish performance quality standards for career-oriented programs of study offered by institutions of higher education, degree-granting proprietary institutions, and private career schools.