Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-6402
Title: AN ACT CONCERNING HIGHER EDUCATION.
Vote Date: 3/22/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable
PH Date: 3/4/2021
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
The Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
To conduct a study of public higher education.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
None expressed.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Catherine Babbitt, Associate Professor of English, GCC:
Submitted written testimony discussing the "dire need for developmental courses." Ms.
Babbitt describes three "strikes" to student academics that result in long-term negative
consequences lower-level student intimidation by being lumped in with higher-level
students; overwhelming workload; and financial aid repercussions for grades of C- or lower.
She shares stories of student success and explains the need and benefits of creating a
trusting learning environment.
Additional Testimony:
Community college professors submitted written testimony with substitute language calling
for "a study concerning the efficacy of the Board of Regents (BOR) for Higher Education and
the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system of governance from its inception in
2011 to the present with a particular emphasis on the consolidation plan referred to as
'Students First,' which was initiated in 2017." They provide the framework for how that study
should be conducted.
Lauren Doninger, EdD, LADC, LPC, Professor of Psychology and Faculty Chair of
Faculty/Staff Council, GCC
Stephen Adair, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology, CCSU
Francis M, Coan, Ph.D., Professor of History, TCC
Meghan Finley, PhD, Associate Professor of Sociology, MCC
Seth Freeman, Professor of Computer Information Systems, CCC
Elizabeth Keefe, Associate Professor of English, GCC
Diba Khan-Bureau, Ph.D., Professor of Environmental Engineering Technology, TRCC
Lillian Maisfehlt, MLIS Reference & Instruction Librarian, Information Literacy
Coordinator, and Staff Chair of Faculty/Staff Council, GCC
Eric Maroney, Professor of English, GCC
Bridget Mullally, Coordinator of First-Year Studies Student Services, GCC
Eileen M Russo, MA, LADC, Professor and Program Coordinator of the Drug and
Alcohol Recovery Program, GCC
Colena Sesanker, PhD, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, GCC, Chair of the Faculty
Advisory Committee to the BOR
Carmen Yiamouyiannis, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, CCC
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None expressed.
Reported by: Jeremy Salyer Date: 04/01/2021
Page 2 of 2 HB-6402


Statutes affected:
File No. 777:
Public Act No. 21-132: