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HF 2596

as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 03/20/2019 01:02pm

KEY: stricken = removed, old language.
underscored = added, new language.

Current Version - as introduced

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A bill for an act
relating to higher education; providing incentives for individuals near degree
completion to complete degree.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin MINNESOTA RECONNECT PERSISTENCE INCENTIVES.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of the Office of Higher Education and each public institution of higher
education must create incentives for individuals near degree completion who have earned
at least 15 credits at a technical or community college or at least 30 credits at a four-year
institution and offer incentives for the individuals near degree completion to reenroll and
earn a degree. The student must be a Minnesota resident, at least two years removed from
attending a higher education institution, and committed to earning a degree. Institutions
must also create a statewide communications campaign to identify and target individuals
near degree completion. Incentives may include:
new text end

new text begin (1) tuition banding: charge a single tuition rate for enrollment within a specific range of
credits. This initiative will help students graduate on time and reduce student educational
costs;
new text end

new text begin (2) encouraging the choice of 120-credit degrees while enrolling full time: studies indicate
students who enroll in 15 credits per term are more successful and graduate on time;
new text end

new text begin (3) discontinuing credit expiration policies: remove five- to ten-year expiration on credits
and replace with a lifetime credit policy without expiration;
new text end

new text begin (4) waiving financial holds: 20 percent of students over the age of 25 have a financial
hold preventing reregistration or reenrollment. Waive fees for those owing under $500;
new text end

new text begin (5) offering developmental courses: provide additional assistance for students enrolled
in developmental courses to avoid the loss of student aid dollars before enrolling in
credit-bearing courses. Provide math pathways, corequisite course, academic roadmaps,
and proactive advising;
new text end

new text begin (6) providing the first class for free, or providing a stipend covering tuition for two
classes when adult students return to complete their degree;
new text end

new text begin (7) offering prior learning credit: expand prior learning experiential credit for students;
or
new text end

new text begin (8) expanding reverse credit transfer: students who transfer from a two-year institution
to a four-year institution can transfer back credits earned at a four-year institution to earn
an associate's degree, which provides a safety net for students if unforeseen circumstances
intervene in earning a bachelor's degree.
new text end