GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1995

H	1 

HOUSE BILL 1247*

Short Title:  Implement Higher Ed. Credit Transfer Plan.     	(Public)

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Sponsors: Representatives Grady, Black, Cummings, McMahan, Owens, Preston, Rogers; and Sexton.

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Referred to:  Education.

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May 20, 1996

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO IMPLEMENT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE TO IMPLEMENT AND MONITOR THE PLAN FOR THE TRANSFER OF CREDITS BETWEEN NORTH CAROLINA INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
Whereas, it is in the public interest that the North Carolina institutions of higher education have a uniform procedure for the transfer of credits from one community college to another community college and from the community colleges to the constituent institutions of The University of North Carolina; and
Whereas, the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina and the State Board of Community Colleges have developed a plan for the transfer of credits between the North Carolina institutions of higher education; and
Whereas, the General Assembly continues to be interested in the progress being made towards increasing the number of credits that will transfer and improving the quality of academic advising available to students regarding the transfer of credits; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  The Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina and the State Board of Community Colleges shall develop a plan to provide students with accurate and understandable information regarding the transfer of credits between community colleges and between community colleges and the constituent institutions of The University of North Carolina.  The plan shall include provisions to increase the adequacy and availability of academic counseling for students who are considering a college transfer program.   The Board of Governors and the State Board of Community Colleges shall report on the implementation of this plan to the General Assembly and the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by January 15, 1997.
Sec. 2.  The Board of Governors and the State Board of Community Colleges shall establish a timetable for the development of guidelines and transfer agreements for program majors, professional specializations, and associate in applied science degrees.  The Board of Governors and the State Board of Community Colleges shall submit the timetable and report on its implementation to the General Assembly and the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by January 15, 1997.
Sec. 3.  The State Board of Community Colleges shall review its policies and rules and make any changes in them that are necessary to implement the plan for the transfer of credits, including policies and rules regarding the common course numbering system, common course library, reengineering initiative, and the systemwide conversion to a semester-based academic year.  The necessary changes shall be made in order to ensure full implementation by September 1, 1997.
Sec. 4.  This act is effective upon ratification.