Chapter 638
Oregon Laws 2011
AN ACT
SB 253
Relating to
higher education; amending ORS 351.003 and 351.009; and repealing ORS 351.005
and 351.007.
Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:
SECTION 1. ORS 351.005 and 351.007
are repealed.
SECTION 2. ORS 351.003 is amended to
read:
351.003. In addition to making the
findings under ORS 351.001, the Legislative Assembly finds that:
(1) Oregonians need access to [post-secondary education opportunities]
educational opportunities beyond high school and throughout life [in a variety of forms].
(2) To meet the societal and
individual needs described under ORS 351.001, Oregonians have created and [sustained, from territorial days to the
present, many and] should sustain diverse institutions of higher
education, both independent and state-assisted.
(3) These institutions have developed
the intellectual capacity of Oregonians and have prepared thousands of them for
productive and fulfilling careers.
(4) These institutions should
provide educational access to all segments of Oregon’s diverse population[, including many students for whom higher
education creates the first opportunity for their entry into the mainstream of
society].
(5) These institutions provide
research[, both basic and applied,]
that generates [new] knowledge value
[and applies it to the development of new
products and processes] essential for Oregon’s economic growth.
(6) These institutions [provide public service activities that]
engage the professional expertise of their faculties to solve social problems.
(7) These institutions [share with our communities many] provide
important cultural activities and services [of immense importance to the quality of life enjoyed by Oregonians]
that add to Oregon’s quality of life.
[(8)
These institutions are expanding the times, places and formats of course
offerings.]
[(9)
Oregonians’ diverse educational needs will be best met in an environment in
which public and independent schools are recognized as critical for meeting
those needs.]
SECTION 3. ORS 351.009 is amended to
read:
351.009. The Legislative Assembly
declares that the mission of all [higher]
education beyond high school in Oregon [is to] includes achievement of the following by 2025:
[(1)
Enable students to extend prior educational experiences in order to reach their
full potential as participating and contributing citizens by helping them
develop scientific, professional and technological expertise, together with
heightened intellectual, cultural and humane sensitivities and a sense of
purpose.]
[(2)
Create, collect, evaluate, store and pass on the body of knowledge necessary to
educate future generations.]
[(3)
Provide appropriate instructional, research and public service programs to
enrich the cultural life of Oregon and to support and maintain a healthy state
economy.]
(1) Ensure that at least 40 percent
of adult Oregonians have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher;
(2) Ensure that at least 40 percent of
adult Oregonians have earned an associate’s degree or post-secondary credential
as their highest level of educational attainment; and
(3) Ensure that the remaining 20
percent or less of all adult Oregonians have earned a high school diploma, an
extended or modified high school diploma or the equivalent of a high school diploma
as their highest level of educational attainment.
Approved by
the Governor July 20, 2011
Filed in the
office of Secretary of State July 20, 2011
Effective date
January 1, 2012
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