Representatives Mia Love (R-UT) and Marcia Fudge (D-OH) recently introduced important bipartisan legislation to update and modernize the information reported by U.S. institutions of higher education.
This will give students and their families the information they need to make informed decisions as they pursue further education.
The Comprehensive Student Achievement Information Act of 2017 (H.R. 4125) adjusts the outdated reporting requirements of community colleges to ensure more granular and accurate information is presented regarding completion rates. Updated requirements would present a more accurate image of student attendance patterns, completion times, and the relationship between the two.
“I have always been a strong advocate for getting students as much information as possible to aid them in making decisions regarding their education,” Congresswoman Love said. “Unfortunately, much of the information available to them today is incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. My bill would make much needed reforms to this information, providing students with the improvements they deserve.”
Congresswoman Fudge adds: “I am pleased to support legislation that will provide a better understanding of the role our community colleges play in serving the educational needs of the American workforce,” said Congresswoman Fudge. “This legislation will update reporting requirements for our nation’s universities and colleges, providing a more accurate picture of student attendance and graduation rates. Every student will be properly counted and potential enrollees will be able to make more informed decisions when choosing an institution of higher learning.”
From Salt Lake Community College, President Deeneece G. Huftalin said: “Salt Lake Community College and community colleges across the nation play a critical role in providing opportunities for students to succeed in their educational pursuits. Unfortunately tens of thousands of community college students who earn certificates or degrees are classified as “drop-outs” because they don’t complete their studies in the timeframe currently prescribed by the federal government, a timeframe that doesn’t take into consideration that the majority of community college students attend part-time and as a result take longer to graduate.”
President Huftalin continued: “We join community colleges in applauding and thanking Congresswoman Mia Love and Congresswoman Marcia Fudge for their leadership on this important issue. H.R. 4125 will ensure that the millions of community college students who graduate with certificates or degrees are appropriately recognized by the federal government as college completers.”
Huftalin: “This legislation efficiently and effectively updates the antiquated federal statutory completion rate calculations. If enacted, this legislation will ensure that the accomplishments of community colleges are better understood by prospective students, policymakers, and the public. We urge its passage as part of the Higher Education Act reauthorization,” said Dr. Alex Johnson, President of Cuyahoga Community College.
Dr. Walter G. Bumphus , President and CEO, American Association of Community Colleges: “This legislation is a top community college priority and will ensure that students, families, and policymakers gain a much more accurate picture of community college student outcomes. Under current law, their successes are grossly understated. We commend introduction of this bill and are pledged to advocate strongly for its inclusion in the upcoming reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.”
