Bill > LB833

This bill modifies the instructional priorities and degree programs offered at Nebraska's state colleges, aiming to clarify their roles within the state's postsecondary education system. Specifically, it allows the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State Colleges to confer bachelor's degrees in liberal arts programs, not just those prescribed as four-year courses. It also adjusts the responsibilities of the University of Nebraska by removing its exclusive claim over certain baccalaureate programs at state colleges, while maintaining its primary role in graduate and professional programs. The bill redefines the state colleges' instructional priorities, making education-focused baccalaureate and master's programs their primary focus, and importantly, allows them to offer doctoral degrees in education and other master's programs if there's a demonstrated need and capacity, subject to approval by the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (CCPE), a state agency that oversees postsecondary education. Furthermore, it grants Chadron State College, Peru State College, and Wayne State College more flexibility to develop new baccalaureate programs that serve the needs of rural Nebraska and their specific regions, and allows them to offer doctoral degrees in education and other master's programs under certain conditions. The bill also repeals the original sections of law it amends.

Education

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=63246