Bill Text: IL SB1944 | 2013-2014 | 98th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Amends various Acts relating to the governance of the public universities in Illinois. Provides that, beginning with the 2014-2015 academic year, a university must admit an applicant for admission to the university as an undergraduate student if the applicant (1) will graduate from an approved high school in the school year immediately preceding the academic year for which the applicant is applying for admission; (2) has a high school cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, at the time of application; (3) has received a composite score of 28 or higher on the ACT national college admissions examination; (4) enters into an agreement with the university that he or she will major in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics field; and (5) submits the application before the expiration of any application filing deadline established by the university. Makes related changes, including in the Board of Higher Education Act.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Failed) 2015-01-13 - Session Sine Die [SB1944 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2013-SB1944-Introduced.html

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98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2013 and 2014 SB1944 Introduced 2/15/2013, by Sen. Chapin Rose SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
110 ILCS 205/9.07 from Ch. 144, par. 189.07
110 ILCS 305/8 from Ch. 144, par. 28
110 ILCS 520/8e from Ch. 144, par. 658e
110 ILCS 660/5-85
110 ILCS 665/10-85
110 ILCS 670/15-85
110 ILCS 675/20-85
110 ILCS 680/25-85
110 ILCS 685/30-85
110 ILCS 690/35-85
Amends various Acts relating to the governance of the public universities in Illinois. Provides that, beginning with the 2014-2015 academic year, a university must admit an applicant for admission to the university as an undergraduate student if the applicant (1) will graduate from an approved high school in the school year immediately preceding the academic year for which the applicant is applying for admission; (2) has a high school cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, at the time of application; (3) has received a composite score of 28 or higher on the ACT national college admissions examination; (4) enters into an agreement with the university that he or she will major in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics field; and (5) submits the application before the expiration of any application filing deadline established by the university. Makes related changes, including in the Board of Higher Education Act.
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FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY
A BILL FOR
SB1944 LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
AN ACT concerning education.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
represented in the General Assembly:
Section 5. The Board of Higher Education Act is amended by
changing Section 9.07 as follows:
(110 ILCS 205/9.07) (from Ch. 144, par. 189.07)
Sec. 9.07. Admission standards.
(a) Subject to the provisions of subsection (b), to
establish minimum admission standards for public community
colleges, colleges and state universities. However,
notwithstanding any other provision of this Section or any
other law of this State, the minimum admission standards
established by the Board shall not directly or indirectly
authorize or require a State college or university to
discriminate in the admissions process against an applicant for
admission because of the applicant's enrollment in a charter
school established under Article 27A of the School Code.
Admission standards for out-of-state students may be higher
than for Illinois residents.
The minimum admission standards for State universities
shall incorporate the provisions of subsection (e) of Section 8
of the University of Illinois Act, subsection (d) of Section 8e
of the Southern Illinois University Management Act, subsection

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(d) of Section 5-85 of the Chicago State University Law,
subsection (d) of Section 10-85 of the Eastern Illinois
University Law, subsection (d) of Section 15-85 of the
Governors State University Law, subsection (d) of Section 20-85
of the Illinois State University Law, subsection (d) of Section
25-85 of the Northeastern Illinois University Law, subsection
(d) of Section 30-85 of the Northern Illinois University Law,
and subsection (d) of Section 35-85 of the Western Illinois
University Law.
(b) Implementation of the new statewide minimum admission
requirements and standards for public colleges and
universities in Illinois established and announced by the Board
in December, 1985 shall be deferred as provided in this
subsection. The Board shall not attempt to implement or
otherwise effect adoption and establishment of those minimum
admission requirements and standards in any public community
college, college or State university prior to the fall of 1993,
and no public community college, college or State university
shall be under any duty or obligation to implement, establish
or otherwise apply those minimum admission requirements and
standards to any entering freshmen prior to the fall of 1993.
The Board of Higher Education shall provide the State
Superintendent of Education, on or before January 1, 1990,
descriptions of course content, and such other criteria as are
necessary to determine and certify whether all school districts
maintaining grades 9-12 are offering courses which satisfy the

SB1944 - 3 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
minimum admission requirements and standards established and
announced by the Board. In addition, there shall be established
a 9 member committee composed of 3 members selected by the
Board of Higher Education, 3 members selected by the State
Superintendent of Education and 3 members selected by the
President of the Illinois Vocational Association. The
committee shall be appointed within 30 days after the effective
date of this amendatory Act. It shall be the duty and
responsibility of the committee to identify and develop courses
and curricula in the vocational education area which meet the
minimum admission requirements and standards to be established
and implemented under this Section. The first meeting of the
committee shall be called by the Executive Director of the
Board of Higher Education within 10 days after the committee is
appointed. At its first meeting the committee shall organize
and elect a chairperson. The committee's report shall be
prepared and submitted by the committee to the Board of Higher
Education, the Illinois State Board of Education and the
General Assembly by April 1, 1989.
(c) By March 1, 1980, the Boards shall develop guidelines
which: (1) place the emphasis on postsecondary remedial
programs at Public Community Colleges and (2) reduces the role
of the state universities in offering remedial programs. By
June 30, 1981, the Board shall report to the General Assembly
the progress made toward this transition in the emphasis on
remedial programs at the postsecondary level and any

SB1944 - 4 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
legislative action that it deems appropriate. Under the
guidelines, if a State university determines that a student
needs remedial coursework, then the university must require
that the student complete the remedial coursework before
pursuing his or her major course of study.
(Source: P.A. 95-272, eff. 8-17-07.)
Section 10. The University of Illinois Act is amended by
changing Section 8 as follows:
(110 ILCS 305/8) (from Ch. 144, par. 29)
Sec. 8. Admissions.
(a) (Blank).
(b) Commencing In addition, commencing in the fall of 1993,
no new student shall then or thereafter be admitted to
instruction in any of the departments or colleges of the
University unless such student also has satisfactorily
completed:
(1) at least 15 units of high school coursework from
the following 5 categories:
(A) 4 years of English (emphasizing written and
oral communications and literature), of which up to 2
years may be collegiate level instruction;
(B) 3 years of social studies (emphasizing history
and government);
(C) 3 years of mathematics (introductory through

SB1944 - 5 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or
fundamentals of computer programming);
(D) 3 years of science (laboratory sciences); and
(E) 2 years of electives in foreign language (which
may be deemed to include American Sign Language),
music, vocational education or art;
(2) except that institutions may admit individual
applicants if the institution determines through
assessment or through evaluation based on learning
outcomes of the coursework taken, including vocational
education courses and courses taken in a charter school
established under Article 27A of the School Code, that the
applicant demonstrates knowledge and skills substantially
equivalent to the knowledge and skills expected to be
acquired in the high school courses required for admission.
The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois shall
not discriminate in the University's admissions process
against an applicant for admission because of the
applicant's enrollment in a charter school established
under Article 27A of the School Code. Institutions may also
admit 1) applicants who did not have an opportunity to
complete the minimum college preparatory curriculum in
high school, and 2) educationally disadvantaged applicants
who are admitted to the formal organized special assistance
programs that are tailored to the needs of such students,
providing that in either case, the institution

SB1944 - 6 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
incorporates in the applicant's baccalaureate curriculum
courses or other academic activities that compensate for
course deficiencies; and
(3) except that up to 3 of the 15 units of coursework
required by paragraph (1) of this subsection may be
distributed by deducting no more than one unit each from
the categories of social studies, mathematics, sciences
and electives and completing those 3 units in any of the 5
categories of coursework described in paragraph (1).
(c) When allocating funds, local boards of education shall
recognize their obligation to their students to offer the
coursework required by subsection (b).
(d) A student who has graduated from high school and has
scored within the University's accepted range on the ACT or SAT
shall not be required to take the high school level General
Educational Development (GED) Test as a prerequisite to
admission.
(e) Beginning with the 2014-2015 academic year, the
University must admit an applicant for admission to the
University as an undergraduate student if the applicant meets
all of the following requirements:
(1) He or she will graduate from an approved high
school, as defined in the Higher Education Student
Assistance Act, in the school year immediately preceding
the academic year for which the applicant is applying for
admission.

SB1944 - 7 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
(2) He or she has a high school cumulative grade point
average of at least a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, or its
equivalent, at the time of application.
(3) He or she has received a composite score of 28 or
higher on the ACT national college admissions examination.
(4) He or she enters into an agreement with the
University that he or she will major in a science,
technology, engineering, or mathematics field.
(5) He or she submits the application before the
expiration of any application filing deadline established
by the University.
Admission to the University under this subsection (e)
entitles the applicant to be admitted into a particular college
of study or department at the University to fulfill the
agreement entered into under item (5) of this subsection (e).
The Board of Trustees shall determine in what manner an
applicant must fulfill the agreement, what constitutes a
failure to fulfill the agreement, and what the consequences are
for failing to fulfill the agreement.
After admitting an applicant under this subsection (e), the
University shall review the applicant's record and any other
factors the University considers appropriate to determine
whether the applicant may require additional preparation for
college-level work or would benefit from inclusion in a
retention program.
(Source: P.A. 96-203, eff. 8-10-09; 96-843, eff. 6-1-10;

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96-1000, eff. 7-2-10.)
Section 15. The Southern Illinois University Management
Act is amended by changing Section 8e as follows:
(110 ILCS 520/8e) (from Ch. 144, par. 658e)
Sec. 8e. Admissions.
(a) Commencing in the fall of 1993, no new student shall
then or thereafter be admitted to instruction in any of the
departments or colleges of the University unless such student
also has satisfactorily completed:
(1) at least 15 units of high school coursework from
the following 5 categories:
(A) 4 years of English (emphasizing written and
oral communications and literature), of which up to 2
years may be collegiate level instruction;
(B) 3 years of social studies (emphasizing history
and government);
(C) 3 years of mathematics (introductory through
advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or
fundamentals of computer programming);
(D) 3 years of science (laboratory sciences); and
(E) 2 years of electives in foreign language (which
may be deemed to include American Sign Language),
music, vocational education or art;
(2) except that institutions may admit individual

SB1944 - 9 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
applicants if the institution determines through
assessment or through evaluation based on learning
outcomes of the coursework taken, including vocational
education courses and courses taken in a charter school
established under Article 27A of the School Code, that the
applicant demonstrates knowledge and skills substantially
equivalent to the knowledge and skills expected to be
acquired in the high school courses required for admission.
The Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University shall
not discriminate in the University's admissions process
against an applicant for admission because of the
applicant's enrollment in a charter school established
under Article 27A of the School Code. Institutions may also
admit 1) applicants who did not have an opportunity to
complete the minimum college preparatory curriculum in
high school, and 2) educationally disadvantaged applicants
who are admitted to the formal organized special assistance
programs that are tailored to the needs of such students,
providing that in either case, the institution
incorporates in the applicant's baccalaureate curriculum
courses or other academic activities that compensate for
course deficiencies; and
(3) except that up to 3 of 15 units of coursework
required by paragraph (1) of this subsection may be
distributed by deducting no more than one unit each from
the categories of social studies, mathematics, sciences

SB1944 - 10 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
and electives and completing those 3 units in any of the 5
categories of coursework described in paragraph (1).
(b) When allocating funds, local boards of education shall
recognize their obligation to their students to offer the
coursework required by subsection (a).
(c) A student who has graduated from high school and has
scored within the University's accepted range on the ACT or SAT
shall not be required to take the high school level General
Educational Development (GED) Test as a prerequisite to
admission.
(d) Beginning with the 2014-2015 academic year, the
University must admit an applicant for admission to the
University as an undergraduate student if the applicant meets
all of the following requirements:
(1) He or she will graduate from an approved high
school, as defined in the Higher Education Student
Assistance Act, in the school year immediately preceding
the academic year for which the applicant is applying for
admission.
(2) He or she has a high school cumulative grade point
average of at least a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, or its
equivalent, at the time of application.
(3) He or she has received a composite score of 28 or
higher on the ACT national college admissions examination.
(4) He or she enters into an agreement with the
University that he or she will major in a science,

SB1944 - 11 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
technology, engineering, or mathematics field.
(5) He or she submits the application before the
expiration of any application filing deadline established
by the University.
Admission to the University under this subsection (d)
entitles the applicant to be admitted into a particular college
of study or department at the University to fulfill the
agreement entered into under item (5) of this subsection (d).
The Board shall determine in what manner an applicant must
fulfill the agreement, what constitutes a failure to fulfill
the agreement, and what the consequences are for failing to
fulfill the agreement.
After admitting an applicant under this subsection (d), the
University shall review the applicant's record and any other
factors the University considers appropriate to determine
whether the applicant may require additional preparation for
college-level work or would benefit from inclusion in a
retention program.
(Source: P.A. 96-843, eff. 6-1-10; 96-1000, eff. 7-2-10.)
Section 20. The Chicago State University Law is amended by
changing Section 5-85 as follows:
(110 ILCS 660/5-85)
Sec. 5-85. Admission requirements.
(a) No new student shall be admitted to instruction in any

SB1944 - 12 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
of the departments or colleges of the Chicago State University
unless such student also has satisfactorily completed:
(1) at least 15 units of high school coursework from
the following 5 categories:
(A) 4 years of English (emphasizing written and
oral communications and literature), of which up to 2
years may be collegiate level instruction;
(B) 3 years of social studies (emphasizing history
and government);
(C) 3 years of mathematics (introductory through
advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or
fundamentals of computer programming);
(D) 3 years of science (laboratory sciences); and
(E) 2 years of electives in foreign language (which
may be deemed to include American Sign Language),
music, vocational education or art;
(2) except that Chicago State University may admit
individual applicants if it determines through assessment
or through evaluation based on learning outcomes of the
coursework taken, including vocational education courses
and courses taken in a charter school established under
Article 27A of the School Code, that the applicant
demonstrates knowledge and skills substantially equivalent
to the knowledge and skills expected to be acquired in the
high school courses required for admission. The Board of
Trustees of Chicago State University shall not

SB1944 - 13 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
discriminate in the University's admissions process
against an applicant for admission because of the
applicant's enrollment in a charter school established
under Article 27A of the School Code. Chicago State
University may also admit (i) applicants who did not have
an opportunity to complete the minimum college preparatory
curriculum in high school, and (ii) educationally
disadvantaged applicants who are admitted to the formal
organized special assistance programs that are tailored to
the needs of such students, providing that in either case,
the institution incorporates in the applicant's
baccalaureate curriculum courses or other academic
activities that compensate for course deficiencies; and
(3) except that up to 3 of 15 units of coursework
required by paragraph (1) of this subsection may be
distributed by deducting no more than one unit each from
the categories of social studies, mathematics, sciences
and electives and completing those 3 units in any of the 5
categories of coursework described in paragraph (1).
(b) When allocating funds, local boards of education shall
recognize their obligation to their students to offer the
coursework required by subsection (a).
(c) A student who has graduated from high school and has
scored within the University's accepted range on the ACT or SAT
shall not be required to take the high school level General
Educational Development (GED) Test as a prerequisite to

SB1944 - 14 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
admission.
(d) Beginning with the 2014-2015 academic year, the
University must admit an applicant for admission to the
University as an undergraduate student if the applicant meets
all of the following requirements:
(1) He or she will graduate from an approved high
school, as defined in the Higher Education Student
Assistance Act, in the school year immediately preceding
the academic year for which the applicant is applying for
admission.
(2) He or she has a high school cumulative grade point
average of at least a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, or its
equivalent, at the time of application.
(3) He or she has received a composite score of 28 or
higher on the ACT national college admissions examination.
(4) He or she enters into an agreement with the
University that he or she will major in a science,
technology, engineering, or mathematics field.
(5) He or she submits the application before the
expiration of any application filing deadline established
by the University.
Admission to the University under this subsection (d)
entitles the applicant to be admitted into a particular college
of study or department at the University to fulfill the
agreement entered into under item (5) of this subsection (d).
The Board shall determine in what manner an applicant must

SB1944 - 15 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
fulfill the agreement, what constitutes a failure to fulfill
the agreement, and what the consequences are for failing to
fulfill the agreement.
After admitting an applicant under this subsection (d), the
University shall review the applicant's record and any other
factors the University considers appropriate to determine
whether the applicant may require additional preparation for
college-level work or would benefit from inclusion in a
retention program.
(Source: P.A. 96-843, eff. 6-1-10; 96-1000, eff. 7-2-10.)
Section 25. The Eastern Illinois University Law is amended
by changing Section 10-85 as follows:
(110 ILCS 665/10-85)
Sec. 10-85. Admission requirements.
(a) No new student shall be admitted to instruction in any
of the departments or colleges of the Eastern Illinois
University unless such student also has satisfactorily
completed:
(1) at least 15 units of high school coursework from
the following 5 categories:
(A) 4 years of English (emphasizing written and
oral communications and literature), of which up to 2
years may be collegiate level instruction;
(B) 3 years of social studies (emphasizing history

SB1944 - 16 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
and government);
(C) 3 years of mathematics (introductory through
advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or
fundamentals of computer programming);
(D) 3 years of science (laboratory sciences); and
(E) 2 years of electives in foreign language (which
may be deemed to include American Sign Language),
music, vocational education or art;
(2) except that Eastern Illinois University may admit
individual applicants if it determines through assessment
or through evaluation based on learning outcomes of the
coursework taken, including vocational education courses
and courses taken in a charter school established under
Article 27A of the School Code, that the applicant
demonstrates knowledge and skills substantially equivalent
to the knowledge and skills expected to be acquired in the
high school courses required for admission. The Board of
Trustees of Eastern Illinois University shall not
discriminate in the University's admissions process
against an applicant for admission because of the
applicant's enrollment in a charter school established
under Article 27A of the School Code. Eastern Illinois
University may also admit (i) applicants who did not have
an opportunity to complete the minimum college preparatory
curriculum in high school, and (ii) educationally
disadvantaged applicants who are admitted to the formal

SB1944 - 17 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
organized special assistance programs that are tailored to
the needs of such students, providing that in either case,
the institution incorporates in the applicant's
baccalaureate curriculum courses or other academic
activities that compensate for course deficiencies; and
(3) except that up to 3 of 15 units of coursework
required by paragraph (1) of this subsection may be
distributed by deducting no more than one unit each from
the categories of social studies, mathematics, sciences
and electives and completing those 3 units in any of the 5
categories of coursework described in paragraph (1).
(b) When allocating funds, local boards of education shall
recognize their obligation to their students to offer the
coursework required by subsection (a).
(c) A student who has graduated from high school and has
scored within the University's accepted range on the ACT or SAT
shall not be required to take the high school level General
Educational Development (GED) Test as a prerequisite to
admission.
(d) Beginning with the 2014-2015 academic year, the
University must admit an applicant for admission to the
University as an undergraduate student if the applicant meets
all of the following requirements:
(1) He or she will graduate from an approved high
school, as defined in the Higher Education Student
Assistance Act, in the school year immediately preceding

SB1944 - 18 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
the academic year for which the applicant is applying for
admission.
(2) He or she has a high school cumulative grade point
average of at least a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, or its
equivalent, at the time of application.
(3) He or she has received a composite score of 28 or
higher on the ACT national college admissions examination.
(4) He or she enters into an agreement with the
University that he or she will major in a science,
technology, engineering, or mathematics field.
(5) He or she submits the application before the
expiration of any application filing deadline established
by the University.
Admission to the University under this subsection (d)
entitles the applicant to be admitted into a particular college
of study or department at the University to fulfill the
agreement entered into under item (5) of this subsection (d).
The Board shall determine in what manner an applicant must
fulfill the agreement, what constitutes a failure to fulfill
the agreement, and what the consequences are for failing to
fulfill the agreement.
After admitting an applicant under this subsection (d), the
University shall review the applicant's record and any other
factors the University considers appropriate to determine
whether the applicant may require additional preparation for
college-level work or would benefit from inclusion in a

SB1944 - 19 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
retention program.
(Source: P.A. 96-843, eff. 6-1-10; 96-1000, eff. 7-2-10.)
Section 30. The Governors State University Law is amended
by changing Section 15-85 as follows:
(110 ILCS 670/15-85)
Sec. 15-85. Admission requirements.
(a) No new student shall be admitted to instruction in any
of the departments or colleges of the Governors State
University unless such student also has satisfactorily
completed:
(1) at least 15 units of high school coursework from
the following 5 categories:
(A) 4 years of English (emphasizing written and
oral communications and literature), of which up to 2
years may be collegiate level instruction;
(B) 3 years of social studies (emphasizing history
and government);
(C) 3 years of mathematics (introductory through
advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or
fundamentals of computer programming);
(D) 3 years of science (laboratory sciences); and
(E) 2 years of electives in foreign language (which
may be deemed to include American Sign Language),
music, vocational education or art;

SB1944 - 20 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
(2) except that Governors State University may admit
individual applicants if it determines through assessment
or through evaluation based on learning outcomes of the
coursework taken, including vocational education courses
and courses taken in a charter school established under
Article 27A of the School Code, that the applicant
demonstrates knowledge and skills substantially equivalent
to the knowledge and skills expected to be acquired in the
high school courses required for admission. The Board of
Trustees of Governors State University shall not
discriminate in the University's admissions process
against an applicant for admission because of the
applicant's enrollment in a charter school established
under Article 27A of the School Code. Governors State
University may also admit (i) applicants who did not have
an opportunity to complete the minimum college preparatory
curriculum in high school, and (ii) educationally
disadvantaged applicants who are admitted to the formal
organized special assistance programs that are tailored to
the needs of such students, providing that in either case,
the institution incorporates in the applicant's
baccalaureate curriculum courses or other academic
activities that compensate for course deficiencies; and
(3) except that up to 3 of 15 units of coursework
required by paragraph (1) of this subsection may be
distributed by deducting no more than one unit each from

SB1944 - 21 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
the categories of social studies, mathematics, sciences
and electives and completing those 3 units in any of the 5
categories of coursework described in paragraph (1).
(b) When allocating funds, local boards of education shall
recognize their obligation to their students to offer the
coursework required by subsection (a).
(c) A student who has graduated from high school and has
scored within the University's accepted range on the ACT or SAT
shall not be required to take the high school level General
Educational Development (GED) Test as a prerequisite to
admission.
(d) Beginning with the 2014-2015 academic year, the
University must admit an applicant for admission to the
University as an undergraduate student if the applicant meets
all of the following requirements:
(1) He or she will graduate from an approved high
school, as defined in the Higher Education Student
Assistance Act, in the school year immediately preceding
the academic year for which the applicant is applying for
admission.
(2) He or she has a high school cumulative grade point
average of at least a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, or its
equivalent, at the time of application.
(3) He or she has received a composite score of 28 or
higher on the ACT national college admissions examination.
(4) He or she enters into an agreement with the

SB1944 - 22 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
University that he or she will major in a science,
technology, engineering, or mathematics field.
(5) He or she submits the application before the
expiration of any application filing deadline established
by the University.
Admission to the University under this subsection (d)
entitles the applicant to be admitted into a particular college
of study or department at the University to fulfill the
agreement entered into under item (5) of this subsection (d).
The Board shall determine in what manner an applicant must
fulfill the agreement, what constitutes a failure to fulfill
the agreement, and what the consequences are for failing to
fulfill the agreement.
After admitting an applicant under this subsection (d), the
University shall review the applicant's record and any other
factors the University considers appropriate to determine
whether the applicant may require additional preparation for
college-level work or would benefit from inclusion in a
retention program.
(Source: P.A. 96-843, eff. 6-1-10; 96-1000, eff. 7-2-10.)
Section 35. The Illinois State University Law is amended by
changing Section 20-85 as follows:
(110 ILCS 675/20-85)
Sec. 20-85. Admission requirements.

SB1944 - 23 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
(a) No new student shall be admitted to instruction in any
of the departments or colleges of the Illinois State University
unless such student also has satisfactorily completed:
(1) at least 15 units of high school coursework from
the following 5 categories:
(A) 4 years of English (emphasizing written and
oral communications and literature), of which up to 2
years may be collegiate level instruction;
(B) 3 years of social studies (emphasizing history
and government);
(C) 3 years of mathematics (introductory through
advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or
fundamentals of computer programming);
(D) 3 years of science (laboratory sciences); and
(E) 2 years of electives in foreign language (which
may be deemed to include American Sign Language),
music, vocational education or art;
(2) except that Illinois State University may admit
individual applicants if it determines through assessment
or through evaluation based on learning outcomes of the
coursework taken, including vocational education courses
and courses taken in a charter school established under
Article 27A of the School Code, that the applicant
demonstrates knowledge and skills substantially equivalent
to the knowledge and skills expected to be acquired in the
high school courses required for admission. The Board of

SB1944 - 24 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
Trustees of Illinois State University shall not
discriminate in the University's admissions process
against an applicant for admission because of the
applicant's enrollment in a charter school established
under Article 27A of the School Code. Illinois State
University may also admit (i) applicants who did not have
an opportunity to complete the minimum college preparatory
curriculum in high school, and (ii) educationally
disadvantaged applicants who are admitted to the formal
organized special assistance programs that are tailored to
the needs of such students, providing that in either case,
the institution incorporates in the applicant's
baccalaureate curriculum courses or other academic
activities that compensate for course deficiencies; and
(3) except that up to 3 of 15 units of coursework
required by paragraph (1) of this subsection may be
distributed by deducting no more than one unit each from
the categories of social studies, mathematics, sciences
and electives and completing those 3 units in any of the 5
categories of coursework described in paragraph (1).
(b) When allocating funds, local boards of education shall
recognize their obligation to their students to offer the
coursework required by subsection (a).
(c) A student who has graduated from high school and has
scored within the University's accepted range on the ACT or SAT
shall not be required to take the high school level General

SB1944 - 25 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
Educational Development (GED) Test as a prerequisite to
admission.
(d) Beginning with the 2014-2015 academic year, the
University must admit an applicant for admission to the
University as an undergraduate student if the applicant meets
all of the following requirements:
(1) He or she will graduate from an approved high
school, as defined in the Higher Education Student
Assistance Act, in the school year immediately preceding
the academic year for which the applicant is applying for
admission.
(2) He or she has a high school cumulative grade point
average of at least a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, or its
equivalent, at the time of application.
(3) He or she has received a composite score of 28 or
higher on the ACT national college admissions examination.
(4) He or she enters into an agreement with the
University that he or she will major in a science,
technology, engineering, or mathematics field.
(5) He or she submits the application before the
expiration of any application filing deadline established
by the University.
Admission to the University under this subsection (d)
entitles the applicant to be admitted into a particular college
of study or department at the University to fulfill the
agreement entered into under item (5) of this subsection (d).

SB1944 - 26 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
The Board shall determine in what manner an applicant must
fulfill the agreement, what constitutes a failure to fulfill
the agreement, and what the consequences are for failing to
fulfill the agreement.
After admitting an applicant under this subsection (d), the
University shall review the applicant's record and any other
factors the University considers appropriate to determine
whether the applicant may require additional preparation for
college-level work or would benefit from inclusion in a
retention program.
(Source: P.A. 96-843, eff. 6-1-10; 96-1000, eff. 7-2-10.)
Section 40. The Northeastern Illinois University Law is
amended by changing Section 25-85 as follows:
(110 ILCS 680/25-85)
Sec. 25-85. Admission requirements.
(a) No new student shall be admitted to instruction in any
of the departments or colleges of the Northeastern Illinois
University unless such student also has satisfactorily
completed:
(1) at least 15 units of high school coursework from
the following 5 categories:
(A) 4 years of English (emphasizing written and
oral communications and literature), of which up to 2
years may be collegiate level instruction;

SB1944 - 27 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
(B) 3 years of social studies (emphasizing history
and government);
(C) 3 years of mathematics (introductory through
advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or
fundamentals of computer programming);
(D) 3 years of science (laboratory sciences); and
(E) 2 years of electives in foreign language (which
may be deemed to include American Sign Language),
music, vocational education or art;
(2) except that Northeastern Illinois University may
admit individual applicants if it determines through
assessment or through evaluation based on learning
outcomes of the coursework taken, including vocational
education courses and courses taken in a charter school
established under Article 27A of the School Code, that the
applicant demonstrates knowledge and skills substantially
equivalent to the knowledge and skills expected to be
acquired in the high school courses required for admission.
The Board of Trustees of Northeastern Illinois University
shall not discriminate in the University's admissions
process against an applicant for admission because of the
applicant's enrollment in a charter school established
under Article 27A of the School Code. Northeastern Illinois
University may also admit (i) applicants who did not have
an opportunity to complete the minimum college preparatory
curriculum in high school, and (ii) educationally

SB1944 - 28 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
disadvantaged applicants who are admitted to the formal
organized special assistance programs that are tailored to
the needs of such students, providing that in either case,
the institution incorporates in the applicant's
baccalaureate curriculum courses or other academic
activities that compensate for course deficiencies; and
(3) except that up to 3 of 15 units of coursework
required by paragraph (1) of this subsection may be
distributed by deducting no more than one unit each from
the categories of social studies, mathematics, sciences
and electives and completing those 3 units in any of the 5
categories of coursework described in paragraph (1).
(b) When allocating funds, local boards of education shall
recognize their obligation to their students to offer the
coursework required by subsection (a).
(c) A student who has graduated from high school and has
scored within the University's accepted range on the ACT or SAT
shall not be required to take the high school level General
Educational Development (GED) Test as a prerequisite to
admission.
(d) Beginning with the 2014-2015 academic year, the
University must admit an applicant for admission to the
University as an undergraduate student if the applicant meets
all of the following requirements:
(1) He or she will graduate from an approved high
school, as defined in the Higher Education Student

SB1944 - 29 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
Assistance Act, in the school year immediately preceding
the academic year for which the applicant is applying for
admission.
(2) He or she has a high school cumulative grade point
average of at least a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, or its
equivalent, at the time of application.
(3) He or she has received a composite score of 28 or
higher on the ACT national college admissions examination.
(4) He or she enters into an agreement with the
University that he or she will major in a science,
technology, engineering, or mathematics field.
(5) He or she submits the application before the
expiration of any application filing deadline established
by the University.
Admission to the University under this subsection (d)
entitles the applicant to be admitted into a particular college
of study or department at the University to fulfill the
agreement entered into under item (5) of this subsection (d).
The Board shall determine in what manner an applicant must
fulfill the agreement, what constitutes a failure to fulfill
the agreement, and what the consequences are for failing to
fulfill the agreement.
After admitting an applicant under this subsection (d), the
University shall review the applicant's record and any other
factors the University considers appropriate to determine
whether the applicant may require additional preparation for

SB1944 - 30 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
college-level work or would benefit from inclusion in a
retention program.
(Source: P.A. 96-843, eff. 6-1-10; 96-1000, eff. 7-2-10.)
Section 45. The Northern Illinois University Law is amended
by changing Section 30-85 as follows:
(110 ILCS 685/30-85)
Sec. 30-85. Admission requirements.
(a) No new student shall be admitted to instruction in any
of the departments or colleges of the Northern Illinois
University unless such student also has satisfactorily
completed:
(1) at least 15 units of high school coursework from
the following 5 categories:
(A) 4 years of English (emphasizing written and
oral communications and literature), of which up to 2
years may be collegiate level instruction;
(B) 3 years of social studies (emphasizing history
and government);
(C) 3 years of mathematics (introductory through
advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or
fundamentals of computer programming);
(D) 3 years of science (laboratory sciences); and
(E) 2 years of electives in foreign language (which
may be deemed to include American Sign Language),

SB1944 - 31 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
music, vocational education or art;
(2) except that Northern Illinois University may admit
individual applicants if it determines through assessment
or through evaluation based on learning outcomes of the
coursework taken, including vocational education courses
and courses taken in a charter school established under
Article 27A of the School Code, that the applicant
demonstrates knowledge and skills substantially equivalent
to the knowledge and skills expected to be acquired in the
high school courses required for admission. The Board of
Trustees of Northern Illinois University shall not
discriminate in the University's admissions process
against an applicant for admission because of the
applicant's enrollment in a charter school established
under Article 27A of the School Code. Northern Illinois
University may also admit (i) applicants who did not have
an opportunity to complete the minimum college preparatory
curriculum in high school, and (ii) educationally
disadvantaged applicants who are admitted to the formal
organized special assistance programs that are tailored to
the needs of such students, providing that in either case,
the institution incorporates in the applicant's
baccalaureate curriculum courses or other academic
activities that compensate for course deficiencies; and
(3) except that up to 3 of 15 units of coursework
required by paragraph (1) of this subsection may be

SB1944 - 32 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
distributed by deducting no more than one unit each from
the categories of social studies, mathematics, sciences
and electives and completing those 3 units in any of the 5
categories of coursework described in paragraph (1).
(b) When allocating funds, local boards of education shall
recognize their obligation to their students to offer the
coursework required by subsection (a).
(c) A student who has graduated from high school and has
scored within the University's accepted range on the ACT or SAT
shall not be required to take the high school level General
Educational Development (GED) Test as a prerequisite to
admission.
(d) Beginning with the 2014-2015 academic year, the
University must admit an applicant for admission to the
University as an undergraduate student if the applicant meets
all of the following requirements:
(1) He or she will graduate from an approved high
school, as defined in the Higher Education Student
Assistance Act, in the school year immediately preceding
the academic year for which the applicant is applying for
admission.
(2) He or she has a high school cumulative grade point
average of at least a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, or its
equivalent, at the time of application.
(3) He or she has received a composite score of 28 or
higher on the ACT national college admissions examination.

SB1944 - 33 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
(4) He or she enters into an agreement with the
University that he or she will major in a science,
technology, engineering, or mathematics field.
(5) He or she submits the application before the
expiration of any application filing deadline established
by the University.
Admission to the University under this subsection (d)
entitles the applicant to be admitted into a particular college
of study or department at the University to fulfill the
agreement entered into under item (5) of this subsection (d).
The Board shall determine in what manner an applicant must
fulfill the agreement, what constitutes a failure to fulfill
the agreement, and what the consequences are for failing to
fulfill the agreement.
After admitting an applicant under this subsection (d), the
University shall review the applicant's record and any other
factors the University considers appropriate to determine
whether the applicant may require additional preparation for
college-level work or would benefit from inclusion in a
retention program.
(Source: P.A. 96-843, eff. 6-1-10; 96-1000, eff. 7-2-10.)
Section 50. The Western Illinois University Law is amended
by changing Section 35-85 as follows:
(110 ILCS 690/35-85)

SB1944 - 34 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
Sec. 35-85. Admission requirements.
(a) No new student shall be admitted to instruction in any
of the departments or colleges of the Western Illinois
University unless such student also has satisfactorily
completed:
(1) at least 15 units of high school coursework from
the following 5 categories:
(A) 4 years of English (emphasizing written and
oral communications and literature), of which up to 2
years may be collegiate level instruction;
(B) 3 years of social studies (emphasizing history
and government);
(C) 3 years of mathematics (introductory through
advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or
fundamentals of computer programming);
(D) 3 years of science (laboratory sciences); and
(E) 2 years of electives in foreign language (which
may be deemed to include American Sign Language),
music, vocational education or art;
(2) except that Western Illinois University may admit
individual applicants if it determines through assessment
or through evaluation based on learning outcomes of the
coursework taken, including vocational education courses
and courses taken in a charter school established under
Article 27A of the School Code, that the applicant
demonstrates knowledge and skills substantially equivalent

SB1944 - 35 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
to the knowledge and skills expected to be acquired in the
high school courses required for admission. The Board of
Trustees of Western Illinois University shall not
discriminate in the University's admissions process
against an applicant for admission because of the
applicant's enrollment in a charter school established
under Article 27A of the School Code. Western Illinois
University may also admit (i) applicants who did not have
an opportunity to complete the minimum college preparatory
curriculum in high school, and (ii) educationally
disadvantaged applicants who are admitted to the formal
organized special assistance programs that are tailored to
the needs of such students, providing that in either case,
the institution incorporates in the applicant's
baccalaureate curriculum courses or other academic
activities that compensate for course deficiencies; and
(3) except that up to 3 of 15 units of coursework
required by paragraph (1) of this subsection may be
distributed by deducting no more than one unit each from
the categories of social studies, mathematics, sciences
and electives and completing those 3 units in any of the 5
categories of coursework described in paragraph (1).
(b) When allocating funds, local boards of education shall
recognize their obligation to their students to offer the
coursework required by subsection (a).
(c) A student who has graduated from high school and has

SB1944 - 36 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
scored within the University's accepted range on the ACT or SAT
shall not be required to take the high school level General
Educational Development (GED) Test as a prerequisite to
admission.
(d) Beginning with the 2014-2015 academic year, the
University must admit an applicant for admission to the
University as an undergraduate student if the applicant meets
all of the following requirements:
(1) He or she will graduate from an approved high
school, as defined in the Higher Education Student
Assistance Act, in the school year immediately preceding
the academic year for which the applicant is applying for
admission.
(2) He or she has a high school cumulative grade point
average of at least a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, or its
equivalent, at the time of application.
(3) He or she has received a composite score of 28 or
higher on the ACT national college admissions examination.
(4) He or she enters into an agreement with the
University that he or she will major in a science,
technology, engineering, or mathematics field.
(5) He or she submits the application before the
expiration of any application filing deadline established
by the University.
Admission to the University under this subsection (d)
entitles the applicant to be admitted into a particular college

SB1944 - 37 - LRB098 06657 NHT 40512 b
of study or department at the University to fulfill the
agreement entered into under item (5) of this subsection (d).
The Board shall determine in what manner an applicant must
fulfill the agreement, what constitutes a failure to fulfill
the agreement, and what the consequences are for failing to
fulfill the agreement.
After admitting an applicant under this subsection (d), the
University shall review the applicant's record and any other
factors the University considers appropriate to determine
whether the applicant may require additional preparation for
college-level work or would benefit from inclusion in a
retention program.
(Source: P.A. 96-843, eff. 6-1-10; 96-1000, eff. 7-2-10.)