Chapter 203
2009 -- S 1052
Enacted 11/09/09
A N A C T
RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HIGHER EDUCATION
Introduced By: Senators Lanzi, Connors, Paiva-Weed, and Gallo
Date Introduced: October 28, 2009
It is enacted by the
General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Short title. This act shall be known and may be
cited as "The Rhode Island
Bachelors
Degree in Three Program Act."
SECTION 2. Legislative declaration and findings. (a) The
general assembly hereby finds
and declares:
(1)
Many school districts in
the opportunity to participate in advanced placement and
dual enrollment courses, thereby
allowing students to earn credits simultaneously toward a high
school diploma and a higher
education degree or certificate.
(2)
A college education remains the best way for young people to maximize their
chances
for a successful, productive life. Broad access to high
quality college education is a key
ingredient in
(3)
A college educated citizenry benefits the state by preparing all students to be
life-long
learners and successful, contributing citizens in a world
economy and global society.
(4)
Many students and families throughout
when attempting to finance post-secondary education, and
reducing degree completion time
represents one way that students and families can economize on
higher education.
(5)
A greater array of options for completing a college education in a timely
fashion
benefits students, families, the state, and
(b)
In light of the foregoing, the general assembly therefore finds that it is in
the best
interests of the people of the state of
to allow eligible students to participate in academic
programs at the
and
SECTION 3. Chapter 16-59 of the General Laws entitled
"Board of Governors for Higher
Education" is hereby
amended by adding thereto the following section:
16-59-28.
"Bachelors Degree in Three" program. – (a)
The
governors for higher education shall establish and administer
the "Bachelors Degree in Three"
program. The board shall:
(1) Establish
guidelines for the "Bachelors Degree in Three" program.
(2) Collaborate with
the board of regents for elementary and secondary education to
establish a seamless credit transfer system for high school
students and other policies that might
facilitate student participation in such a program.
(3) Identify and
propose any necessary changes to academic courses of study, support
services, financial aid, and other policies and resources at
the
students to complete bachelors degree programs in three (3)
years.
(4) Identify
potential costs of the program, including costs to students, to the
institutions,
and to school districts, identify possible sources of
external grant funding for a pilot program, and
propose a funding structure for the program.
(5) Investigate
accreditation issues and federal financial aid rules that may be implicated
by the program.
(6) Identify units at
the University of
program.
(7) Design, undertake
and evaluate a three (3) year pilot program that will serve as a
model for full-scale implementation.
(b) The board shall
present an initial report, recommendations and timeline to the general
assembly on or by February 1, 2010, and the pilot program will
begin with the fall academic
semester of 2010.
SECTION 4. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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LC03011
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