New Jersey Governor Unveils Student-Centered Higher Education Vision

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has unveiled "Where Opportunity Meets Innovation: A Student-Centered Vision for New Jersey Higher Education," a collaborative effort aimed at promoting student success and making higher education more accessible and affordable. At the center of the plan is the "Student Bill of Rights," a 10-point document outlining the needs of students in New Jersey higher education. The plan was developed by the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education after consulting with students, faculty, and staff at universities across the state, and analyzing relevant data and past reports.

Key Takeaways:

• The plan outlines a 10-point "Student Bill of Rights" that details the needs of students in New Jersey higher education, including early exposure to college, comprehensive financial information, and affordable education costs.
• The plan emphasizes the importance of student-centricity, with a focus on what students need, rather than what colleges need.
• A task force has been created to accomplish the goals outlined in the plan, with five working groups focused on creating on-ramps to college, making college affordable, student success, safe and inclusive learning environments, and research, innovation, and talent.
• The working groups will include at least two student members and will aim to translate at least one of the goals in the Student Bill of Rights into workable action items.
• The plan includes establishing working groups to complete the goals outlined in the Student Bill of Rights, with students serving on each working group.
• The plan has been praised by Stevens Institute of Technology, which has been highlighted as a model for other institutions in its commitment to student success and experiential learning.
• The plan calls for universities to have a formal commitment to the plan, and will ask universities to state their commitment to the plan.

Statistics:

• Over 10,000 responses were received in a survey conducted by the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, with half of those responses coming from students.
• 87% of Stevens Institute of Technology students graduate within six years, compared to the national average of less than 60%.
• 96% of Stevens Institute of Technology students are placed in employment or further education within six months of graduation.
• The plan emphasizes the importance of experiential learning, with a focus on co-op, undergraduate research, and capstone and senior design projects.

Sources:

• "Where Opportunity Meets Innovation: A Student-Centered Vision for New Jersey Higher Education" (Office of the Secretary of Higher Education)
• "The Student Bill of Rights" (Office of the Secretary of Higher Education)
• Email from President Nariman Farvardin (Stevens Institute of Technology)
• Interview with Zakiya Smith Ellis (Secretary of Higher Education)
• Interview with Beth McGrath (Vice President for Government and Community Relations, Stevens Institute of Technology)
• Interview with Jason Chlus (President, Student Government Association, Stevens Institute of Technology)