MI SB0098

Expands the definition of "community college" to include institutions that grant baccalaureate degrees in cement technology, maritime technology, energy production technology, culinary arts, ski area management, wastewater treatment technology, allied health, information technology, and manufacturing technology.

Authorizes community college boards of trustees to establish and grant baccalaureate degrees in the specified technical fields, in addition to their existing authority to offer associate degrees and vocational-technical programs.

Prohibits community colleges from eliminating existing associate degree programs when establishing new baccalaureate degree programs unless the board demonstrates a lack of student demand for the associate degree.

Allows community colleges to establish bachelor of science in nursing degree programs subject to approval by the Michigan Board of Nursing and with requirements for national professional nursing accreditation or candidacy status.

Restricts expansion of bachelor of science in nursing programs unless graduates achieve job placement and graduate school acceptance rates equal to or exceeding the average rates of all public universities in Michigan offering such programs.