Relating to the period for which an applicant for admission as an undergraduate student to a public institution of higher education is entitled to an academic fresh start.
Impact
The passage of SB365 will significantly impact the admissions processes at public colleges and universities across Texas starting in the fall semester of 2025. Institutions are required to adopt and publish their policies regarding the fresh start option, which is expected to enhance transparency and accessibility for prospective students. By allowing older grades to be excluded from consideration, the bill seeks to encourage adult learners and non-traditional students to re-enter the education system without the burden of past academic failures affecting their new academic journeys.
Summary
Senate Bill 365 amends the Texas Education Code to redefine the admissions criteria for undergraduate students seeking an academic fresh start at public institutions of higher education. The bill allows institutions to disregard academic credits or grades obtained more than ten years prior to the intended enrollment semester, except for grades earned in the five years preceding that period. This change aims to provide a second chance for individuals who may have had poor academic records in the past and are now seeking to pursue higher education anew.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB365 appears to be generally positive, particularly among advocacy groups and educational institutions that support initiatives aimed at increasing access to higher education. Proponents argue that the bill will empower individuals who wish to improve their lives through education by providing them with an opportunity to start afresh. However, there may be concerns regarding how institutions implement these policies, especially regarding fairness and consistency in admissions decisions.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise regarding the implementation of the bill, particularly in how each institution decides to adopt their fresh start policies. Potential disparities in how different universities handle the disregard of past academic records could lead to inequities in the admissions process. Additionally, there could be discussions on the balancing act between offering second chances to adult learners while maintaining rigorous admission standards necessary to uphold academic integrity.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Education Code
Chapter 51. Provisions Generally Applicable To Higher Education
Identical
Relating to the period for which an applicant for admission as an undergraduate student to a public institution of higher education is entitled to an academic fresh start.
Relating to the period for which an applicant for admission as an undergraduate student to a public institution of higher education is entitled to an academic fresh start.
Relating to the period for which an applicant for admission as an undergraduate student to a public institution of higher education is entitled to an academic fresh start.
Relating to the period for which an applicant for admission as an undergraduate student to a public institution of higher education is entitled to an academic fresh start.
Relating to the period for which an applicant for admission as an undergraduate student to a public institution of higher education is entitled to an academic fresh start.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Competency-Based Education Grant Program for certain students enrolled in competency-based baccalaureate degree programs and to formula funding and dropped and repeated course restrictions for students enrolled in those degree programs at public institutions of higher education.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Competency-Based Education Grant Program for certain students enrolled in competency-based baccalaureate degree programs and to formula funding and dropped and repeated course restrictions for students enrolled in those degree programs at public institutions of higher education.
Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.