Prohibits public institutions of higher education from requiring students to purchase meal plans.
Impact
The passage of A2804 would significantly impact policies at institutions like Rutgers, NJIT, and other public colleges in New Jersey. By no longer allowing these institutions to require meal plans, the bill aims to increase student autonomy. This could also lead to a shift in how universities design their dining services and programs, fostering a more competitive environment aimed at attracting and retaining students.
Summary
Assembly Bill A2804 prohibits public institutions of higher education in New Jersey from mandating students to purchase meal plans. This legislation was introduced to address concerns over the financial burden imposed by mandatory meal plans on students. By eliminating this requirement, the bill seeks to empower students to make their own choices regarding meal options, potentially leading to decreased overall costs for attending college.
Contention
While supporters of the bill, including various student advocacy groups, argue that it enhances student choice and reduces financial strain, critics may raise concerns about the potential repercussions for campus dining services. Some may worry that without mandatory meal plans, universities could struggle to sustain financially viable dining operations, leading to diminished services or increased prices in voluntary meal program options. This contentious aspect showcases the delicate balance between improving affordability for students and maintaining the operational viability of dining facilities in public higher education.
Prohibits institutions of higher education from requiring students who have children to purchase meal plans, live in on-campus housing, or pay gym fees.
Prohibits institutions of higher education from requiring students who have children to purchase meal plans, live in on-campus housing, or pay gym fees.
Requires public institution of higher education to annually submit capital projects report to Secretary of Higher Education; requires secretary to post reports on website.
Requires public institution of higher education to annually submit capital projects report to Secretary of Higher Education; requires secretary to post reports on website.
Requires public institutions of higher education to submit annual fiscal monitoring report; authorizes Secretary of Higher Education to appoint State monitor of certain institutions; requires higher education chief financial officers complete training; annually appropriates $100,000.
Requires public institutions of higher education to submit annual fiscal monitoring report; authorizes Secretary of Higher Education to appoint State monitor of certain institutions; requires higher education chief financial officers complete training; annually appropriates $100,000.
Provides that former law enforcement officers who retired due to disability are eligible to receive tuition assistance to attend public institution of higher education or proprietary institution licensed to confer academic degrees.
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.