Bill
A 1637
Creates a Council of Women in Higher Education to advance women’s issues, track progress, and advise on programs across New Jersey colleges.
Purpose and scope
- Establishes the Council of Women in Higher Education within the New Jersey Department of State.
- Mission: foster and promote the advancement of women and women’s issues within New Jersey higher education institutions.
- Aims to review programs, compile statistics, advance opportunities for women, engage with leaders, and support outreach and related initiatives.
Key provisions
- Creation and location:
- The Council is located in the Department of State.
- Membership:
- Total of 39 members.
- Two women from each four-year public institution of higher education (selected by the institution’s governing board).
- One woman from each independent institution of higher education (selected by the institution’s governing board).
- Two women representing the county college sector (selected by the New Jersey Council of County Colleges).
- Terms and appointments:
- Members serve two-year terms.
- Initial appointments: one member from each four-year public institution for one year and one for two years; one member from each county college sector for one year and one for two years.
- Vacancies filled for the balance of the unexpired term in the original manner.
- Members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses.
- Governance:
- Council to organize promptly and annually elect a chair and vice-chair from among members.
- Appoints an executive director (unclassified Civil Service) who serves as secretary to the Council.
- May hire additional staff as needed, with possible assistance from other state employees.
- Functions and duties:
- Review and make recommendations on programs focused on women’s issues to the Secretary of Higher Education, the New Jersey Presidents’ Council, and governing boards.
- Compile statistics on women employed at higher education institutions and on courses/programs addressing women’s issues.
- Promote opportunities for women, set goals, study deficiencies, and advise on enhancements to women’s programs.
- Meet with local and state leaders to advance women’s participation in government.
- Create outreach programs for elementary and high school students to promote involvement in women’s issues.
- Engage in other initiatives as the Council deems advisable.
- Reporting:
- Publish an annual report detailing long-term goals, objectives, accomplishments, initiatives, and areas of study related to women’s advancement in higher education.
Effective date
- Takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Administrative and fiscal considerations
- The Council is funded from appropriations or funds made available to it; members’ expenses are payable as allowed.
- No compensation for members; activities and staffing governed by state civil service rules and available resources.
Impact and who is affected
- Affects public four-year institutions, independent colleges/universities, and county colleges in New Jersey.
- Impacts the Department of State, the Secretary of Higher Education, the New Jersey Presidents’ Council, and governing boards by introducing a formal advisory body focused on women’s advancement.
- Aims to improve gender equity, track progress, and enhance educational programs and workforce representation for women in higher education.
Procedural status and timeline
- Introduced: January 9, 2024.
- Referred to Assembly Higher Education Committee (initial stage).
- Later status shows “REFERRED TO ELECTION LAW” on January 10, 2025 (likely a clerical/committee referral update; bill remains tied to higher education issues via the council in this introduced version).
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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