New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2581

Introduced
5/12/22  

Caption

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to study prevalence, cost, and quality of certain on-line courses compared to traditional classroom courses offered by institutions of higher education.

Impact

The findings of this study are aimed to benefit not only the institutions of higher education but also the students enrolled in these programs. The bill requires a thorough assessment of whether the potential savings from online courses are utilized by institutions to lower costs for students. Additionally, it will measure completion rates, average grades, and the long-term graduation rates of students engaged in online courses versus those in traditional settings, thereby impacting policies around student support and curriculum development in the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 2581 mandates the Secretary of Higher Education in New Jersey to conduct a comprehensive study evaluating the prevalence, cost, and quality of online courses offered for credit by various institutions of higher education. This investigation focuses specifically on online courses as compared to traditional classroom-based courses. The bill emphasizes the need for the study to gather data on several aspects, including the variety of online courses available, enrollment statistics for part-time and full-time students, and cost savings incurred by institutions when offering these online courses.

Contention

While the bill fosters advancements in the educational landscape, it may raise concerns regarding the adequacy of online education compared to traditional methods. Critics could argue that online education does not provide the same level of engagement and support as in-person classes. Moreover, the efficacy of utilizing cost savings to directly benefit students may garner scrutiny, especially if the report does not show significant benefits to student costs or educational experiences.

Companion Bills

NJ A1854

Same As Directs Secretary of Higher Education to study prevalence, cost, and quality of certain on-line courses compared to traditional classroom courses offered by institutions of higher education.

Previously Filed As

NJ A1854

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to study prevalence, cost, and quality of certain on-line courses compared to traditional classroom courses offered by institutions of higher education.

NJ S495

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.

NJ A1695

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.

NJ HB2223

Relating to developmental coursework offered by public institutions of higher education under the Texas Success Initiative.

NJ A376

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish performance-based funding plans for public institutions of higher education.

NJ A440

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish performance-based funding plans for public institutions of higher education.

NJ SB174

Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.

NJ SB167

Higher education; removing language prohibiting offering of certain courses by certain institutions. Effective date. Emergency.

NJ SB167

Higher education; removing language prohibiting offering of certain courses by certain institutions. Effective date. Emergency.

NJ S3083

Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.

Similar Bills

NJ A1854

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to study prevalence, cost, and quality of certain on-line courses compared to traditional classroom courses offered by institutions of higher education.

NJ A4665

Requires Secretary of Higher Education and public institutions of higher education to develop programs for improving Hispanic and Latino representation in higher education leadership positions.

NJ S3642

Requires Secretary of Higher Education and public institutions of higher education to develop programs for improving Hispanic and Latino representation in higher education leadership positions.

NJ A3944

Requires campus diversity actions at public institutions of higher education and directs Secretary of Higher Education and Division on Civil Rights to develop guidance regarding diversity in faculty search and selection process.

NJ A2467

Requires campus diversity actions at public institutions of higher education and directs Secretary of Higher Education and Division on Civil Rights to develop guidance regarding diversity in faculty search and selection process.

NJ S2211

Requires campus diversity actions at public institutions of higher education and directs Secretary of Higher Education and Division on Civil Rights to develop guidance regarding diversity in faculty search and selection process.

NJ S1808

Requires campus diversity actions at public institutions of higher education and directs Secretary of Higher Education and Division on Civil Rights to develop guidance regarding diversity in faculty search and selection process.

NJ S1731

Establishes New Jersey Higher Education Student Advisory Commission.