SB 209 Summary

• Reduces eligibility limit for ten higher education financial aid programs from eight semesters to four academic years, affecting awards for students, teachers, nurses, National Guard members, senior citizens, and families of public safety officers killed in the line of duty.

• Establishes "degree map" requirement for state educational institutions to develop individualized academic plans for full-time students enrolling after July 31, 2014, showing term-by-term course sequences for completion of baccalaureate degrees within four years or associate degrees within two years.

• Requires Commission for Higher Education to develop guidelines by August 1, 2013 for degree map implementation, including procedures for adjusting maps when students change majors and circumstances for waiving requirements.

• Mandates state educational institutions provide required courses at no cost to students if courses are unavailable, have scheduling conflicts, or are full during the term specified in their degree map.

• Creates performance grant program providing $1,000-$1,500 for students earning baccalaureate degrees and $750-$1,250 for students earning associate degrees on or ahead of their degree map timeline.