Establishes an institutional mechanism to facilitate the intra-system articulation of courses, programs, and credits within the University of Hawaii system. Makes appropriation.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Independent education analysts have expressed concern that the intra-system articulation of courses, programs, and credits within the University of Hawaii system needs improvement. For instance, the graduate of a two-year associate of arts program from one of the community college campuses should be entitled to matriculate seamlessly into the third year of a comparable program at a four-year campus. Although the University is dedicated to making improvements in this area and has made progress, additional work remains to be done. Some aspects are simply a matter of better communication, while others may require institutional adjustments.

The purpose of this Act is to establish an institutional mechanism to facilitate the intra-system articulation of courses, programs, and credits within the University of Hawaii system, and to make an appropriation.

SECTION 2. Chapter 304, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§304-   Intra-system articulation of courses, programs, and credits. There is established an institutional mechanism to facilitate the intra-system articulation of courses, programs, and credits within the University of Hawaii system, to provide a seamless system of inter-campus matriculation."

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $          , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2005-2006, to establish an institutional mechanism to facilitate the intra-system articulation of courses, programs, and credits within the University of Hawaii system.

SECTION 4. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2005.