New Jersey Assembly Bill A2153

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

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 bill sets standards for degree planning that institutions of higher education and proprietary schools must develop. This includes creating a pathway system with graduation progress benchmarks specific to each major, ensuring all students, especially first-time and those needing remedial courses, have guided requirements starting from the outset of their studies. These benchmarks aim to monitor and encourage satisfactory academic progress, indicating a push toward improved student retention and graduation rates.

Summary

A2153 is a bill in New Jersey that mandates undergraduate students enrolled in certain institutions to file a degree plan in order to facilitate their path to graduation. Specifically, students at four-year institutions must submit their degree plans by the time they complete 60 credit hours. Transfer students who arrive with at least 45 credits will also be required to file their plans during their second semester. This accountability aims to ensure that students are aware of their academic requirements and trajectory towards earning their degree.

Contention

While bill A2153 aims to create a structured approach to degree completion, potential points of contention may arise with regard to the enforcement of these requirements. Critics may argue that such mandates could place additional pressure on students, particularly those transferring with extensive prior coursework, to meet specific timelines. Additionally, concerns may be raised regarding the flexibility of academic paths needed for students with diverse educational backgrounds and learning paces, particularly in light of individualized academic planning processes.