Bill
Bill > S1271
NJ S1271
NJ S1271Establishes requirements for closures of private career schools and institutions of higher education, modifies review process of new academic programs, and requires approval of branch campuses.
summary
Introduced
02/10/2020
02/10/2020
In Committee
11/12/2020
11/12/2020
Crossed Over
11/16/2020
11/16/2020
Passed
01/11/2021
01/11/2021
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
03/01/2021
03/01/2021
Introduced Session
2020-2021 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under current law, when the governing board of a public research university or a State college determines that it is advisable for the institution to establish a branch campus out-of-State or out-of-country that will serve at least 500 students of the institution, the board must submit the plan for the branch campus to the Secretary of Higher Education for its review and recommendations. This bill amends the law to: · clarify that the provisions of the bill also apply to additional locations, not just branch campuses; · specify that the board must first gain the approval of the secretary prior to establishing a branch campus or additional location; · provide that secretary approval is required for a branch campus or additional location that serves at least 100 students instead of at least 500 students; · require the board's plan to specify a commitment that the branch campus or additional location will comply with the provisions of the open public records act; and · provide that the secretary may approve the establishment of a branch campus or additional location if the secretary determines that the branch campus or additional location: serves a compelling State interest; does not impose excessive costs or reputational risk to the State; does not impose a risk to the security interests of the State or federal government; and does not conflict with existing State or federal laws or regulations. The bill specifies that, in making a determination to approve a branch campus or additional location, the secretary may utilize the assistance of an external consultant team, solicit comments from interested parties including faculty and members of professional staff not holding faculty rank at the public research university or a State college, and conduct a site visit at the proposed site of the branch campus or additional location. The bill also specifies that faculty and members of the professional staff not holding faculty rank will receive the same salary and benefits as the employees of the institution within the State.
AI Summary
This bill establishes requirements for closures of private career schools and institutions of higher education, modifies the review process of new academic programs, and requires approval of branch campuses.
It requires the Secretary of Higher Education to approve the establishment of out-of-state or out-of-country branch campuses or additional locations of public research universities and state colleges that serve at least 100 students. The bill also requires the Secretary to review and comment on branch campuses or additional locations established by independent institutions of higher education.
The bill establishes new requirements for orderly closures of private career schools and institutions of higher education, including requirements for teach-out plans and agreements, maintenance of student records, and restrictions on collection of institutional debt. The bill authorizes the Secretary or Commissioner to take enforcement actions against institutions that do not comply with these requirements.
Additionally, the bill modifies the New Jersey Presidents' Council's review process for new academic programs, requiring the Council to assess academic quality, labor market demand, duplication with existing programs, and the need for state resources, and allowing the Secretary to make final decisions on new programs.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Education
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Approved P.L.2021, c.27. (on 03/01/2021)
Official Document
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