HF 2896

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 03/10/2016 03:30pm

A bill for an act
relating to higher education; requiring implementation of a pilot program
for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at certain state
universities; amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 136A.101, subdivision
10.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 136A.101, subdivision 10, is amended to
read:

Subd. 10.

Satisfactory academic progress.

"Satisfactory academic progress"
means satisfactory academic progress as defined under Code of Federal Regulations, title
34, sections 668.16(e), 668.32(f), and 668.34 new text begin , except that a student with an intellectual
disability as defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 34, section 668.231, enrolled
in an approved comprehensive transition and postsecondary program under that section
is subject to the institution's published satisfactory academic process standards for that
program as approved by the Office of Higher Education new text end .

Sec. 2. new text begin STATE UNIVERSITIES; PILOT PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS WITH
INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Pilot program required. new text end

new text begin (a) No later than the 2017-2018 academic
year, the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities must offer
a pilot academic program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities,
consistent with the requirements of this section. The board must offer the pilot program at
four state university campuses chosen based on (1) their ability to offer a robust program
using existing facilities and resources and (2) with a goal to provide the program in diverse
geographic regions of the state.
new text end

new text begin (b) In designing the pilot program, the Board of Trustees must consult with
the Minnesota State Council on Disability, the Minnesota Governor's Council on
Developmental Disabilities, Arc Minnesota, and other interested stakeholder groups. The
board may also consult with administrators of similar programs at other postsecondary
institutions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Program enrollment and admission. new text end

new text begin The enrollment goal for each
campus' pilot program must be at least ten incoming students per academic year. Students
must be admitted based on an application process that includes an in-person interview;
an independent assessment of an applicant's interest, motivation, and likelihood of
success in the program; and any other eligibility requirements established by the board.
Upon successful completion, a student must be awarded a certificate, diploma, or other
appropriate academic credential.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Program curriculum and activities. new text end

new text begin (a) The pilot program must provide
an inclusive, two-year full-time residential college experience for students with intellectual
and developmental disabilities. The required curriculum must include core courses
that develop life skills, financial literacy, and the ability to live independently; rigorous
academic work in a student's chosen field of study; and an internship, apprenticeship, or
other skills-based experience to prepare for meaningful employment upon completion
of the program.
new text end

new text begin (b) In addition to academic requirements, the program must offer participating
students the opportunity to engage fully in campus life. Program activities must include
but are not limited to (1) the establishment of on-campus mentoring and peer support
communities and (2) opportunities for personal growth through leadership development
and other community engagement activities.
new text end

new text begin (c) A participating campus may tailor its program curriculum and activities to
highlight academic programs, student and community life experiences, and employment
opportunities unique to that campus or the region of the state where the campus is located.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Progress reports to legislature. new text end

new text begin (a) The board must submit progress
reports on the pilot program required by this section to the chairs and ranking minority
members of the committees of the legislature with jurisdiction over higher education
finance and policy and human services finance and policy as follows:
new text end

new text begin (1) no later than January 15, 2017, a report describing plans for implementation of
the program and recruitment of applicants, including identification of anticipated program
needs that cannot be filled using existing campus or system resources; and
new text end

new text begin (2) no later than January 15, 2019, a report describing program operations, including
information on participation and expected completion rates, the feasibility of program
expansion to other state university campuses, and detail on any unmet program needs.
new text end