Bill > HB3717

This bill amends the Public Community College Act to allow community college districts in Illinois to establish and offer baccalaureate (four-year) degree programs under specific conditions. The bill aims to expand higher education access, particularly for underserved and rural populations, by enabling community colleges to grant bachelor's degrees in applied fields that meet regional workforce needs. To establish such a program, community college boards of trustees must meet numerous requirements, including demonstrating unmet workforce needs, obtaining necessary accreditations, ensuring tuition affordability (not exceeding 150% of lower-division course rates), and focusing on improving racial and socioeconomic equity in student access. Colleges must submit detailed applications to the State Board, including information about labor market demand, program purpose, faculty qualifications, and student interest. Each community college offering a baccalaureate program must submit annual reports tracking student enrollment, degree completions, workforce data, and tuition costs. Furthermore, the State Board is required to conduct a comprehensive statewide evaluation of these programs within five years, analyzing their implementation, student demographics, workforce alignment, employment outcomes, program costs, and student financial impacts. The bill emphasizes that these new degree programs should complement, not replace, existing transfer pathways and do not alter the fundamental mission of community colleges.

Education

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=3717&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104