NJ A2209

County college boards of trustees may submit proposals to the New Jersey Presidents' Council to establish baccalaureate degree programs in applied sciences fields facing critical labor shortages in their region

Proposals must include program descriptions, facilities identification, cost analysis, admission requirements, curriculum details, faculty credentials, accreditation plans, and enrollment projections

The Presidents' Council has 30 days to identify deficiencies and 45 days to forward completed proposals with recommendations to the Secretary of Higher Education, who then has 60 days to approve or disapprove

County colleges are limited to offering a maximum of three baccalaureate degree programs in applied sciences under this process, contingent upon receiving appropriate accreditation

Seven years after program establishment, county colleges must report to the secretary, Governor, and Legislature on enrollment and completion numbers, with the secretary making a recommendation on whether to continue the program