MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Senator(s) Ferris

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 37-29-1, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT AFTER MAY 1, 1998, COMMUNITY COLLEGES MAY ADMIT STUDENTS IF THEY HAVE EARNED ONE UNIT LESS THAN THAT REQUIRED FOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION OR A GED IN CERTAIN COURSES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 37-29-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

37-29-1. The creation, establishment, maintenance and operation of junior colleges is authorized. From and after May 1, 1998, community and junior colleges may admit students if they have earned one (1) unit less than the number of units required for high school graduation by state statute or have earned a General Education Diploma (GED) in courses correlated to those of senior colleges or professional schools. From and after May 1, 1996, junior colleges shall offer to students who have completed not less than nineteen (19) high school units, courses correlated to those of senior colleges or professional schools. They shall offer education and training preparatory for occupations such as agriculture, industry, business, homemaking and for other occupations on the semi-professional and vocational-technical level. They may offer courses and services to students regardless of their previous educational attainment or further academic plans.

In addition to the foregoing the junior colleges shall provide, through courses or other acceptable educational measures, the general education necessary to individuals and groups which will tend to make them capable of living satisfactory lives consistent with the ideals of a democratic society.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1998.