FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lance Gideon, Press Secretary
Lance.Gideon@iga.in.gov
317-234-9221
Daniella Neise, Press Secretary Intern
Daniella.Neise@iga.in.gov
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 20, 2025) — A bill authored by State Sen. Greg Goode (R-Terre Haute) that would reinvigorate Indiana's system of public higher education by prioritizing the future of the state's workforce passed the Senate today with bipartisan support of 48-1.
Senate Bill 448 would empower the Indiana Commission on Higher Education (CHE) to play a more active role in the strategic growth of public colleges and universities, calling for CHE review and approval on degree programs.
It will also require CHE and the Indiana Secretary of Education to review and approve more robust "stackable" credentials to better serve Indiana workforce needs.
"SB 448 will deliver a broader vision for a learner-centered, future-focused education framework for Hoosiers," Goode said. "This bill provides new pathways for student success that adapt to the constantly changing landscape of our state's economy."
By streamlining the benefits of stackable degrees and certificates, this bill would benefit students, creating an opportunity for them to earn multiple credentials at once when completing courses with overlapping requirements.
SB 448 would also provide effective opportunities for students to still receive certification if they change degrees during their education, saving time and money to operate in the best interest of our students.
This bill also introduces stronger transparency by requiring enrollment reports for both in-state and out-of-state students, including international students.
SB 448 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
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.
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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.
