Provides a program fee option for graduate students to allow continued access to certain facilities within the state university

BILL NUMBER:S1789

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to providing a program fee option for graduate students

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill would provide that the trustees of the state university will provide an access fee option for graduate and doctoral students.

Summary of specific provisions

Paragraph h of subdivision 2 of section 355 of the education law is amended by adding a new subparagraph 10. This bill would specifically state that an access fee is an option for the trustees of the state university in the exercise of their power to regulate tuition charges. This would allow a matriculated graduate or doctoral student who has taken at least 30 credits of course work towards the completion of a degree to maintain access to certain university facilities through payment of an access fee not to exceed the cost of 1 credit of the students program of study.

Justification

A program fee option has been available at the University of Massachusetts since 1969. Graduate students have maintained the right to use certain university facilities which enables them to work toward their degrees even when they are not enrolled in courses. Students that may be returning to continue their education are now assisted in allowing them to continue their progress toward advanced degrees in a manner which takes into account their personal and professional needs.

Legislative history

This bill has been previously introduced.

Fiscal implications

There is no cost to the state. In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, increased enrollment and revenue have accrued as students have recognized the advantages of this program fee option.

Effective date

Immediately.