Modernizes responsibilities of New Jersey Council of County Colleges.
What changed between versions
Budget submission changed from permissive ('may submit') to mandatory ('shall submit'), and the budget request must now reflect both college and State strategic priorities. The Secretary of Higher Education was added as a recipient of the budget request.
The entire provision requiring the council to enhance data availability through collaborations with the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, HESAA, Department of Labor, Department of Education, and the Statewide Data System was removed.
Provisions requiring the council to develop and maintain a unified directory of academic programs and to develop policies expanding dual enrollment, credit for prior learning, and transfer experience were removed.
A new requirement was added that the biennial strategic plan must be developed in consultation with State government agencies, county college faculty, staff, and students.
The council's advisory role was dramatically narrowed. It is no longer the 'primary advisory body' to the Governor, Legislature, Presidents' Council, and all state agencies. It is now simply 'an advisory body' to the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education only.
The council's role in statewide initiatives was downgraded from 'the primary vehicle for bringing together county colleges to implement Statewide initiatives' (with a list of specific focus areas) to a 'coordinating body that organizes and expands collaboration among the county colleges in a variety of areas impacting student success and institutional advancement.'
The general education framework provision was narrowed. Language about ensuring seamless transfer of credits, approving general education courses, and consistency with the Statewide Transfer Agreement was removed, leaving only 'maintaining a Statewide general education framework for county colleges.'
The council's role with statewide business, labor, education, and community organizations was reduced from 'unified lead partner' to simply 'partner.'
The Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative provision was narrowed by removing the language about designing new academic and workforce education and training pathways aligned with economic needs. A requirement to 'work in collaboration with State agencies and authorities' was added for credential development.
