Let Colleges Become Universities

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to the regents establishing a process for colleges to become universities

Purpose

To establish a process for colleges to become universities

SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS

Section 1 of the bill adds a new Section 216-d to the Education Law to establish a process by which the regents may allow a college to become a university.

Section 2 of the bill provides that the bill is effective 180 days after enactment.

Existing law

New York Education Law Section 224 (1) prohibits an organization from using the name "university" unless the Board of Regents has authorized it to use that designation. In 1968, the Board of Regents adopted the following regulation: University means a higher education institution offering a range of registered undergraduate and graduate curricula in the liberal arts and sciences, degrees in two or more professional fields, and doctoral programs in at least three academic fields. (8 N.Y.C.R.R. Section 50.1 (I)) (emphasis added)

The Board has restricted the use of "university" even further by ruling that entry level professional doctoral programs do not count toward the requirement of three doctoral programs in academic fields. The doctoral program must include "the production of a substantial report on original research, the independent investigation of a topic of significance to the field of study, the production of an appropriate creative work, or the verified development of advanced professional skills." (8 N.Y.C.R.R. Section 52.2 (c) (10))

Justification

New York is the only state in the United States to adopt such a restrictive definition of "university." In every other state, higher education institutions have much greater freedom to elect whether to call themselves a "college" or "university." The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, has developed the most widely used categorization of institutions of higher education, it does not limit the designation of university to schools with doctoral programs. Indeed, because numerous New York State colleges offer a wide range of Masters degrees, many fall within the Carnegie Foundation's "university" classification.

In recent years, colleges and universities have made increasing efforts to recruit students from outside the United States and to develop faculty exchange programs. In most other countries, students and faculty are familiar with the word "university" to designate an institution of higher education. The word "college" is used to designate a unit within the larger university, thus putting them at a competitive disadvantage with schools in other states because students and faculty in other countries are not familiar with the use of the term "college" and prefer to attend a "university."

Thus, the designation is important to colleges in New York, and creates the need for this legislation. New York's over-regulation of the use of the term "university" is operating against its economic interests. Institutions of higher education are a key economic driver throughout New York State. As we look to the future, we should be considering ways to expand opportunities for enrollment of students from other countries, who would contribute to the economic well-being of the State.

Legislative history

New legislation.

Fiscal implications

None to the State.

Effective date

This act shall take effect 180 days after enactment.