Bill > S2932

Introduced Session

This bill establishes a process for a county college to offer a baccalaureate degree in the area of applied sciences. Under the bill, the board of trustees of a county college may submit a proposal to the New Jersey Presidents' Council for the establishment of a baccalaureate degree program in an applied sciences field in which a critical shortage of qualified labor exists, or is projected to exist, in the region. Under the bill, the New Jersey Presidents' Council is directed to review the proposal and notify the board of trustees of any deficiencies in writing, and the council must provide the board of trustees with an opportunity to correct the deficiencies. The New Jersey Presidents' Council must forward the proposal, with its recommendation for approval or disapproval of the proposal, to the Secretary of Higher Education. The secretary is directed to provide the county college with a written determination on the approval or disapproval of the proposal. The bill provides that the establishment of a baccalaureate degree program by a county college will be dependent upon the county college receiving accreditation for the program by the appropriate accrediting body. A county college may offer no more than three baccalaureate degree programs through the bill's provisions. Seven years following the establishment of a baccalaureate degree program, the board of trustees of the county college must submit a report to the secretary, the Governor, and to the Legislature on the implementation and impact of its baccalaureate program. The secretary is directed to then make a recommendation to the Governor and to the Legislature on the advisability of continuing the program.

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Joe Cryan (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Higher Education Committee (on 03/07/2024)

Official Document