Texas Senate Bill SB1296

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the filing of a degree plan by students at public institutions of higher education.

Impact

The implications of SB1296 are significant for students as it changes the timeline for filing degree plans and mandates academic advising. The act encourages structured planning and provides a framework for students to align their coursework with future academic goals. This change is intended to improve student outcomes by emphasizing the preparation for their intended fields of study and ensuring the completion of all necessary credit hours for degree attainment. The legislation is structured to begin applying from the 2019-2020 academic year, setting a clear expectation for compliance among institutions.

Summary

SB1296 aims to modify the existing requirements for students at public institutions of higher education regarding the filing of degree plans. The bill proposes that all students enrolled in associate or bachelor's degree programs must file a degree plan once they have completed 30 or more semester credit hours. This requirement applies to students who begin their first semester with at least 30 credit hours, necessitating the plan to be submitted by the 12th class day of their second semester. By streamlining the process, SB1296 seeks to ensure that students have a clear pathway to fulfilling their degree requirements while transitioning to four-year institutions.

Contention

While the bill presents several advantages in terms of guidance and clarity for students, there may be concerns regarding the enforcement and effectiveness of such requirements. Critics may highlight potential burdens this could impose on students who are juggling multiple responsibilities, emphasizing the need for flexibility in educational pathways. Additionally, the expectations for students to engage with academic advisors might raise questions about the adequacy of advising resources at various institutions, potentially affecting the bill's overall effectiveness in meeting its stated objectives.