§ 16-59-28 - "Bachelors Degree in Three" program. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 16-59-28

   § 16-59-28  "Bachelors Degree in Three"program. – (a) The Rhode Island board of governors for higher education shall establishand administer the "Bachelors Degree in Three" program. The board shall:

   (1) Establish guidelines for the "Bachelors Degree in Three"program.

   (2) Collaborate with the board of regents for elementary andsecondary education to establish a seamless credit transfer system for highschool students and other policies that might facilitate student participationin such a program.

   (3) Identify and propose any necessary changes to academiccourses of study, support services, financial aid, and other policies andresources at the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and theCommunity College of Rhode Island to ensure greater opportunities for studentsto complete bachelors degree programs in three (3) years.

   (4) Identify potential costs of the program, including coststo students, to the institutions, and to school districts, identify possiblesources of external grant funding for a pilot program, and propose a fundingstructure for the program.

   (5) Investigate accreditation issues and federal financialaid rules that may be implicated by the program.

   (6) Identify units at the University of Rhode Island, RhodeIsland College, and the Community College of Rhode Island that will assumeadministrative responsibility for the program.

   (7) Design, undertake and evaluate a three (3) year pilotprogram that will serve as a model for full-scale implementation.

   (b) The board shall present an initial report,recommendations and timeline to the general assembly on or by February 1, 2010,and the pilot program will begin with the fall academic semester of 2010.