New Jersey Assembly Bill A3144

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/22
• Refer: 3/7/22

Caption

Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.

Impact

The significance of A3144 lies in its potential impact on graduation rates and academic advising in New Jersey. By mandating the filing of degree plans and establishing graduation progress benchmarks, institutions are expected to enhance accountability and transparency in the educational process. The bill aims to facilitate student success by encouraging timely completion of degree requirements and minimizing unnecessary course enrollments, which could lead to smoother transitions for students, especially those transferring from other institutions.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3144 requires undergraduate students at four-year institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to file a degree plan by specific milestones in their academic journey. Particularly, students must submit their degree plans before completing 60 credits for four-year institutions and 30 credits for students at county colleges or proprietary institutions. This requirement aims to ensure that students have a clear pathway to graduation and are aware of their course requirements early on in their education.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the implementation and enforcement of these new requirements. Critics could argue that these mandates may impose additional administrative burdens on institutions and academic advisors, who will need to ensure compliance and manage regular reviews of student progress. Additionally, the effectiveness of academic advising services plays a pivotal role in the success of this initiative; without adequate support, the new system might not achieve its intended outcomes. Advocates for the bill, however, assert that the structure and guidance it provides will ultimately support student retention and graduation, addressing persistent challenges in higher education.