SF 676

as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 01/31/2019 03:12pm

A bill for an act
relating to higher education; requiring a report on the creation of student retention
and attraction incentives at Minnesota postsecondary institutions.

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

Section 1. new text begin STUDENT RETENTION AND ATTRACTION INCENTIVES; REPORT.
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new text begin The commissioner of the Office of Higher Education shall examine the primary reasons
why more Minnesota high school graduates attend out-of-state postsecondary institutions
than out-of-state high school graduates attend Minnesota postsecondary institutions. Using
the results of this research, the commissioner shall develop a list of potential incentives
designed to keep more Minnesota high school graduates attending in-state institutions and
to attract more out-of-state high school graduates. To the extent possible, the commissioner
must develop a cost estimate for each of these incentives. The incentives developed may
include but are not limited to:
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new text begin (1) waiving application fees for Minnesota postsecondary institutions;
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new text begin (2) providing free tuition for students meeting certain scholastic requirements;
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new text begin (3) offering in-state tuition to nonresident students meeting certain scholastic
requirements;
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new text begin (4) student recruitment initiatives; and
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new text begin (5) improving employment opportunities for students through partnerships with the
private sector, internship and apprenticeship opportunities, or dual-training programs.
new text end

new text begin By January 15, 2021, the commissioner of the Office of Higher Education shall report
to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction
over higher education on the reasons identified for the net loss of high school graduates at
Minnesota postsecondary institutions, the retention and attraction incentives developed, and
cost estimates of each proposed incentive where available. The report may include
recommendations for draft legislation.
new text end