Bill
Bill > A2359
NJ A2359
NJ A2359Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires undergraduate students enrolled in four-year institutions of higher education to file a degree plan with the institution. An undergraduate student enrolled in a four-year institution would be required to file a degree plan as soon as practicable, but not later than by the completion of 60 credit hours of course work. An undergraduate student who transfers to a four-year institution with at least 45 credit hours of course work would be required to file a degree plan during the student's second semester at the institution. The bill requires degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled in county colleges or proprietary institutions to file a degree plan as soon as practicable, but not later than by the completion of 30 credit hours of course work. The bill also requires an institution of higher education or proprietary institution to provide notice to a student who selects a new academic major or minor, or who experiences such other change in circumstance as defined by the institution, that the student shall file a revised degree plan with the institution as soon as practicable. The bill defines "degree plan" as a statement of the course of study requirements that an undergraduate student enrolled in an institution of higher education or a proprietary institution must complete in order to graduate from the institution. A student's degree plan must be developed in consultation with an appropriate academic official in the student's degree program, or if such official is not available, with an appropriate academic official at the institution. The degree plan must follow a pathway to a degree to the extent practicable. The bill defines a "proprietary institution" as a proprietary institution licensed to offer academic degrees. In addition, the bill requires institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions to develop pathway systems that establish graduation progress benchmarks for each academic major and for the general education program for students who have not declared a major. The pathway for each first-time degree-seeking student must include credit-bearing mathematics and English courses that are applicable towards degree requirements in the first 24 credit hours of course work completed at the institution of higher education or proprietary institution. The pathway for each degree-seeking student enrolled in a remedial course in mathematics, reading, or English must include the credit-bearing course in that subject concurrent with or in the semester immediately following completion of the remedial course. Under the bill, the graduation progress benchmarks established by an institution of higher education or proprietary institution must specify the credit and course criteria that indicate satisfactory progress toward a degree. Academic departments at the institution must establish schedules for periodic reviews of student progress, and students who are in danger of falling behind the graduation progress benchmarks will be required to consult with an appropriate academic official.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that undergraduate students at four-year institutions of higher education, as well as degree-seeking students at county colleges and proprietary institutions (defined as licensed institutions offering academic degrees), must file a "degree plan," which is a formal statement of the courses required for graduation. This plan must be developed with an academic official and, where possible, follow a defined "pathway to a degree." Specific deadlines are set for filing these plans, generally within the first 30 to 60 credit hours of study, with adjustments for transfer students. Institutions are also required to establish "pathway systems" that set benchmarks for graduation progress for each major and for general education, ensuring that foundational math and English courses are included early in a student's academic journey, and that students needing remedial courses are placed into credit-bearing courses promptly. Students falling behind these benchmarks will be required to consult with an academic advisor.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Higher Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A2359 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A2500/2359_I1.HTM |
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