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Bill

A 5284

Requires each institution of higher education to designate student parent liaison.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Michele Matsikoudis

New Jersey would require each higher education institution to hire a student parent liaison to support students with parenting responsibilities.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Higher Education Committee
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Bill Summary · A 5284

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 5284 mandates that every New Jersey institution of higher education appoint a designated student parent liaison to serve as a point of contact and advocate for students with parenting responsibilities. The liaison would presumably help coordinate support services, address policy barriers, and ensure student parents have access to resources they need to succeed academically.

Why is this important

Student parents—particularly mothers—face documented barriers to degree completion, including childcare costs, inflexible class schedules, and inadequate institutional support. Designating a dedicated liaison could improve retention rates and graduation timelines for this vulnerable population while reducing equity gaps in higher education access and completion.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Institutions may argue the mandate creates unfunded budget obligations, particularly for smaller colleges with limited resources
  • Liaison role definition: The bill lacks specificity on liaison qualifications, responsibilities, and institutional authority, potentially creating confusion about what this position should actually accomplish
  • Effectiveness questions: Critics may question whether a single liaison can meaningfully address systemic barriers like childcare availability, housing affordability, and course scheduling constraints that require broader institutional reform

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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