Kean Bill Boosting Policy Leverage of Students in High Education Clears Committee

College students will have more influence on higher education policy under legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and advanced today by the Senate Higher Education Committee.

Kean’s bill (S-1236) would establish the New Jersey Higher Education Advisory Commission to help determine direction and priorities of higher education in the state.
“The commission will allow college students to share valuable insight into the challenges and concerns they face in the rapidly changing world,” said Kean (R-21), a member of the higher ed committee. “Giving voice to the young people who are working tirelessly to earn their degrees, control expensive college debt, and prepare for their futures will help myself and my colleagues in the Legislature better understand the evolving collegiate landscape. By shining the light on some of the most critical needs, the task force will help influence public support and maximize opportunities and efficiencies within the system.”
The 14-member commission will include three student representatives from colleges and universities, one member from each of the state’s public research universities, three from country colleges, and three from independent universities, and one student from a proprietary degree-granting institution.
Under Kean’s bill, the commission will advise the secretary of higher education on system-wide matters, and provide annual reports to the higher education committees in the Senate and Assembly.
College students interested in serving on the commission would submit an application to the secretary of higher education.