Students who are accepted to public colleges and universities, but deemed the least well prepared, would be required to attend community college first, under a change being considered by North Carolina’s university system.
The idea came from the state’s GOP lawmakers, who inserted language outlining the program in the state budget. The legislature has been increasingly critical of North Carolina’s higher education system, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Once students complete associate degrees within three years, they would be guaranteed enrollment at the four-year institutions. The program would begin with students entering college in fall 2017.