Sen. Stewart praises community colleges in higher ed reform
SEN. STEWART PRAISES COMMUNITY COLLEGES
IN HIGHER EDUCATION REFORM
Sen. Eric Stewart, D-Belvidere, helped remove barriers facing Tennessee community college students Thursday in a bill meant to improve higher education and increase the number of state graduates.
The bill calls for community colleges to comprise a separate system in order to streamline class schedules and make it easier for students to graduate sooner. Community colleges in Tennessee currently only graduate 12 percent of students attending.
“Our community colleges are the most important link between our citizens and a better future,” Sen. Stewart said. “Students need to leave with degrees.”
Under the bill, state funding for public colleges and universities will be linked to graduation rates. Currently funding is tied heavily to enrollment, not graduation.
Community colleges will also be required to create a common course base, so that students across the state are taking the same general education classes. Transferring from community colleges also will be easier: A student who earns an associate degree at a Tennessee community college will be able to transfer to a public university as a junior.
The bill awaits Governor Phil Bredesen’s signature.
Senator Eric Stewart represents Franklin, Bledsoe, Coffee, Grundy, Sequatchie, Van Buren, and Warren Counties. Contact him at sen.eric.stewart@capitol.tn.gov or (615) 741-6694 or 310A War Memorial Building, Nashville, TN 37243.