Lowering Hurdles for NJ College Kids

by: Jay Lassiter

Thu Sep 13, 2007 at 02:48:47 PM EDT

Corzine sign as Pam Lampitt looks on

Governor Corzine was at Camden County College today to sign a bill that'll streamline the transfer from a 2- to 4-year college.

This new law -- sponsored by Assemblywoman Pam Lampitt -- will go a long way towards ensuring that kids who take the community college route are able transfer all their credits towards a Bachelor's degree at any state school.

Governor Corzine strikes a serious pose after the bill signing.

This may sound like a no brainer but remember that community colleges are a relatively new phenomenon and the policies vary from one institution to another. So until today some credits would transfer and others wouldn't with the rules varying from school to school. It was a huge mess and a big barrier that meant students having to retake (and repay) for classes at a 4-year program.

Corzine cited the example of a biology major who had $3,ooo worth of credits that didn't transfer.

"That's half the average property tax bill," Lampitt quantified.

"Let's keep this positive," someone hollered out from the crowd.

It was Lou Greenwald. I had to laugh.

Anyway, 2-year schools are increasingly the best option for lots of students here in the Garden State. (Student debt, hello!) And now we have a uniform policy that'll benefit the current crop of NJ undergrads.

"By this time next year, the hurdles will be eliminated," said Lampitt.

A rookie legislator, Pam Lampitt had every reason to be proud. Still a relative unknown quantity in her district (where I live, btw) this law was the culmination of her two years in the Assembly. And judging from the remarks of the college presidents on hand, she's a durable ally to academia.

Rowan University chief Dr. Donald J. Farish was effusive calling the new law a "magnificent piece of legislation. I am proud it was created by a South Jersey legislator."

And what's not to like? If this law succeeds, it'll mean more of our kids graduate on time with a smaller student debt load.

If you can think of a more sensible policy goal than that, please share in the comment box.

Jay Lassiter :: Lowering Hurdles for NJ College Kids

Tags: Pam Lampitt, Jon Corzine, featured, (All Tags)

Print Friendly View

Send As Email

Lowering Hurdles for NJ College Kids | 5 comments

good (0.00 / 0)

I support this 100%.

On the other hand, since you mention a 'more sensible policy' goal, I think the students would be much better off going to a 4-yr college for the entire time, if it's at all possible. What you'll see is the state continue to allow the cost of a 4-yr college drift out of range of more and more students by continuing to fail to fund higher education, with the idea that it's good enough for the poor to go to 2-yr colleges.

Frank LoBiondo Record and Jon Runyan Watch

by: Hopeful @ Thu Sep 13, 2007 at 19:07:13 PM UTC

by: you @ soon

To post this comment click here:

Otherwise click cancel.

PHOTO CAPTION CONTEST (0.00 / 0)

Hey, you with the camera! Didn't I see you at my pool party?

by: huntsu @ Thu Sep 13, 2007 at 20:30:22 PM UTC

by: you @ soon

To post this comment click here:

Otherwise click cancel.

RE (0.00 / 0)

As a former Community College graduate, I think this is a great opportunity. I went to the local CC because I was working full time and it offered flexibility and afforadability that the local 4 year college didn't. I didn't qualify for student aid and the thought of taking on debt (on top of a mortgage for a single woman just starting out) was a little daunting. I was lucky and was able to have all my credits transfer to my 4 year college, but I think this will give great incentive to the older student population.

by: Ladybird @ Thu Sep 13, 2007 at 22:39:11 PM UTC

by: you @ soon

To post this comment click here:

Otherwise click cancel.

hey ladybird.... (0.00 / 0)

long time no see, ladybird. what an interesting point you raise: the idea that non-traditional age folks benefit from strong comm college programs as mch as 18 and 19 year olds.

(and no LB I am not calling you old.)

activist for hire.