STATEHOUSE —State Rep. Rhonda Rhoads (R-Corydon) presented legislation today she authored to ensure state colleges and universities are requiring an appropriate number of credit hours for varying degrees. House Bill (HB) 1220 passed out of the House of Representatives with a 60-35 vote. “Our state colleges and universities are aware of the importance of remaining competitive, in addition to graduating students in a timely manner,” said Rep. Rhoads. “While many colleges are already doing this, the bill is a further check to ensure that our state’s higher education institutions are evaluating their degree requirements. I am glad my colleagues recognized the importance of passing this legislation.” HB 1220 would provide approval from the Commission of Higher Education for degree programs that require more than 60 credit hours for an associate’s degree and 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. State colleges and universities would be required to do the initial evaluation of credit hours and degree programs. At its core, HB 1220 is an effort to address the rising cost of tuition and the estimated time it takes to get a degree. Additional hours added to a degree program, comes an increased cost to students and their families. “Not only will this bill help alleviate some unnecessary financial burdens imposed on Hoosier students, but, in turn, it will also help improve graduation rates across the state.” HB 1220 now heads to the Indiana Senate for further consideration. If signed into law, it will go into effect on July 1, 2012. To find the most up-to-date bill status, visit www.in.gov/legislative. -30-
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