An Act To Implement the Recommendations of the Task Force on Franco-Americans

Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §10910  is enacted to read:

§ 10910.  Report on status of first-generation students

By January 15, 2014, and annually thereafter, the trustees shall submit to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters a report summarizing activities over the previous year of institutions of higher education in the State intended to increase enrollment and graduation rates of first-generation college students as defined by the trustees. The report must include data regarding enrollment of first-generation students and educational outcomes, including graduation rates for first-generation students compared to other students, and may make recommendations for legislative action to increase graduation rates for first-generation students. The committee may submit legislation to implement any recommendations of the trustees.

Sec. 2. Working group to increase recruitment of first-generation college students from Maine. The Board of Trustees of the University of Maine System shall convene a working group, including, but not limited to, representatives of the Maine Community College System and the Maine Maritime Academy to study and develop a long-term strategy to increase enrollment of first-generation college students who are residents of Maine and to increase the graduation rate of first-generation college students at Maine's postsecondary educational institutions. The working group shall invite the participation of private postsecondary colleges and institutions when developing a recruitment strategy.

summary

This bill is in response to a recommendation of the Task Force on Franco-Americans. This bill requires the Board of Trustees of the University of Maine System to establish a working group including representatives of public and private institutions of higher education in the State to study and develop a strategy to increase enrollment and graduation rates for first-generation college students who are residents of the State. The board is required to report annually to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters on activities over the previous year by institutions of higher education in the State to increase enrollment and graduation rates of first-generation college students.