New Jersey Senate Bill S3622

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/19/24
• Refer: 9/19/24

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 legislation mandates that educational institutions create structured pathways that establish specific benchmarks for graduation progress for each major. This includes integrating essential introductory courses in mathematics and English in the first 24 credit hours students complete. The benchmarks will assist students in gauging their progress and ensuring they remain on track to graduation. Additionally, institutions will need to provide guidance to students who change their majors or have other significant academic changes, emphasizing the need for a revised degree plan, thus improving academic advising and support.

Summary

Senate Bill S3622 introduces a requirement for undergraduate students enrolled in four-year institutions in New Jersey to develop and submit a degree plan as part of their academic progression. This plan must be filed with the institution by the completion of 60 credit hours for students enrolled in four-year institutions, or for students transferring in with at least 45 credit hours, during their second semester. For those attending county colleges or proprietary institutions, the deadline is 30 credit hours. The bill aims to streamline the academic advising process and enhance students' clarity on their academic pathways to graduation.

Contention

While the bill is expected to improve student outcomes, there may be concerns regarding its implementation, particularly regarding the monitoring of academic progress. Critics could argue that the additional requirement to develop a degree plan and the stipulation of benchmarks may add unnecessary administrative burdens on both students and institutions. Furthermore, the requirement for institutions to review student progress regularly might raise questions about how resources are allocated and the feasibility of such comprehensive oversight. The effectiveness of these measures will depend on the institutions' capabilities to support such initiatives.