FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lance Gideon, Press Secretary
Lance.Gideon@iga.in.gov
317-234-9221
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 5, 2025) — A bill authored by State Sen. Greg Goode (R-Terre Haute) that would modernize Indiana's system of public higher education and ensure colleges and universities are preparing students to be successful unanimously passed the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development today.
Senate Bill 448 would require public colleges and universities to secure approval from the Indiana Commission on Higher Education (CHE) before any new degree programs are created. It would also require periodic CHE review of existing degree programs.
"SB 448 would better ensure our public colleges and universities are efficiently preparing our state's workforce for the economy of the future," Goode said. "Our public colleges and universities already provide great educational opportunities for Hoosiers, and this bill would strengthen them for years to come."
The bill would also require CHE to approve any new campuses or branches and task the Indiana Secretary of Education to increase the number of "stackable" certificates and degrees available to students.
Stackable certificates and degrees allow students to seamlessly advance from one certificate or degree to other programs that have overlapping skills. This would allow a student seeking a degree to have multiple certificates once they complete their program. The bill would also allow students to potentially receive some credit or certificate if they change course at any point during their education, which could help save students both time and money.
This bill would also provide greater transparency on enrollment reporting including in-state versus out-of-state enrollment.
SB 448 now moves to the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
Goode encourages residents of Senate District 38 to contact him with any questions or comments they may have. Goode can be reached by filling out a "Contact Me" form online at www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Goode or by phone at 800-382-9467.
-30-
State Sen. Greg Goode (R-Terre Haute) represents Senate District 38, which
includes Vigo and Clay counties and a portion of Sullivan County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
