New Jersey Senate Bill S1371

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/22
• Refer: 2/10/22

Caption

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

Impact

The bill introduces a formalized pathway system that requires institutions to establish graduation progress benchmarks for each academic major. First-time degree-seeking students must include applicable mathematics and English courses within their first 24 credit hours, ensuring that foundational courses are addressed early in their education. Additionally, students enrolled in remedial courses must take the respective credit-bearing course concurrently or soon after the remedial course, which emphasizes timely progression through foundational skills necessary for degree completion.

Summary

Senate Bill S1371 aims to enhance the educational framework within New Jersey's higher education system by mandating undergraduate students enrolled in four-year institutions to file a degree plan. This requirement is designed to ensure that students declare their course of study early during their academic journey—specifically, no later than after their completion of 60 credit hours. The bill also requires similar filing for students at county colleges or proprietary institutions after 30 credit hours, thereby fostering a structured approach to academic management from the outset.

Contention

While the bill seeks to facilitate degree completion and enhance students' academic journeys, it could generate discussions around its implications for student autonomy. Some may argue that mandating a degree plan could limit a student's flexibility in exploring their academic interests. Conversely, proponents assert that early declaration and structured pathways improve overall graduation rates and student preparedness for the workforce. Institutions will also be required to provide guidance, thereby ensuring that students who change majors or face other academic challenges are advised to update their degree plans accordingly.