HB4621 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB095 17945 NHT 44027 b

95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2007 and 2008
HB4621

Introduced , by Rep. William Davis

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

110 ILCS 305/8	from Ch. 144, par. 29
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. Subject to certain other admission requirements, requires a university to admit an applicant for admission to the university as an undergraduate student if the applicant graduated in one of the 2 school years preceding the academic year for which the applicant is applying for admission from an approved high school with a grade point average in the top 10% percent of the student's high school graduating class. Requires the university, after admitting the applicant, to review the applicant's record and any other factor 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.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning higher education.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. 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) No student shall be admitted to instruction in any of the departments of the University who shall not have attained to the age of fifteen (15) years, and who shall not previously undergo a satisfactory examination in each of the branches ordinarily taught in the common schools of the state.

(b) 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 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, 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 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) In this subsection (e), "approved high school" means a public high school located in this State or a high school located in this State (whether designated as a high school, secondary school, academy, preparatory school, or otherwise) that, in the judgment of the State Superintendent of Education, provides a course of instruction at the secondary level and maintains standards of instruction substantially equivalent to those of the public high schools located in this State, provided that the graduating class of an applicant under this subsection (e) had at least 10 students graduate.

Subject to the other provisions of this Section, for the 2009-2010 academic year and each academic year thereafter, the University shall admit an applicant for admission to the University as an undergraduate student if the applicant graduated in one of the 2 school years preceding the academic year for which the applicant is applying for admission from an approved high school with a grade point average in the top 10% of the student's high school graduating class. To qualify for admission under this subsection (e), an applicant must submit an application before the expiration of any application filing deadline established by the University. The University may require the applicant to take the ACT, SAT, or another entrance examination, but the University may not use the applicant's scores on any of these tests for admission purposes. Admission to the University under this subsection (e) does not entitle the applicant to be admitted into a particular college of study or department at the University.

After admitting an applicant under this subsection (e), the University shall review the applicant's record and any other factor 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. The University may require a student so identified to enroll during the summer immediately after the student is admitted under this subsection (e) to participate in appropriate developmental and enrichment courses and orientation programs. This subsection (e) does not prohibit a student who is not determined to need additional preparation for college-level work from enrolling, if the student chooses, during the summer immediately after the student is admitted under this subsection (e).

(Source: P.A. 91-374, eff. 7-30-99.)

Section 10. 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, 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 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 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) In this subsection (d), "approved high school" means a public high school located in this State or a high school located in this State (whether designated as a high school, secondary school, academy, preparatory school, or otherwise) that, in the judgment of the State Superintendent of Education, provides a course of instruction at the secondary level and maintains standards of instruction substantially equivalent to those of the public high schools located in this State, provided that the graduating class of an applicant under this subsection (d) had at least 10 students graduate.

Subject to the other provisions of this Section, for the 2009-2010 academic year and each academic year thereafter, the University shall admit an applicant for admission to the University as an undergraduate student if the applicant graduated in one of the 2 school years preceding the academic year for which the applicant is applying for admission from an approved high school with a grade point average in the top 10% of the student's high school graduating class. To qualify for admission under this subsection (d), an applicant must submit an application before the expiration of any application filing deadline established by the University. The University may require the applicant to take the ACT, SAT, or another entrance examination, but the University may not use the applicant's scores on any of these tests for admission purposes. Admission to the University under this subsection (d) does not entitle the applicant to be admitted into a particular college of study or department at the University.

After admitting an applicant under this subsection (d), the University shall review the applicant's record and any other factor 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. The University may require a student so identified to enroll during the summer immediately after the student is admitted under this subsection (d) to participate in appropriate developmental and enrichment courses and orientation programs. This subsection (d) does not prohibit a student who is not determined to need additional preparation for college-level work from enrolling, if the student chooses, during the summer immediately after the student is admitted under this subsection (d).

(Source: P.A. 91-374, eff. 7-30-99.)

Section 15. 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 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, 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 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 admission.

(d) In this subsection (d), "approved high school" means a public high school located in this State or a high school located in this State (whether designated as a high school, secondary school, academy, preparatory school, or otherwise) that, in the judgment of the State Superintendent of Education, provides a course of instruction at the secondary level and maintains standards of instruction substantially equivalent to those of the public high schools located in this State, provided that the graduating class of an applicant under this subsection (d) had at least 10 students graduate.

Subject to the other provisions of this Section, for the 2009-2010 academic year and each academic year thereafter, the University shall admit an applicant for admission to the University as an undergraduate student if the applicant graduated in one of the 2 school years preceding the academic year for which the applicant is applying for admission from an approved high school with a grade point average in the top 10% of the student's high school graduating class. To qualify for admission under this subsection (d), an applicant must submit an application before the expiration of any application filing deadline established by the University. The University may require the applicant to take the ACT, SAT, or another entrance examination, but the University may not use the applicant's scores on any of these tests for admission purposes. Admission to the University under this subsection (d) does not entitle the applicant to be admitted into a particular college of study or department at the University.

After admitting an applicant under this subsection (d), the University shall review the applicant's record and any other factor 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. The University may require a student so identified to enroll during the summer immediately after the student is admitted under this subsection (d) to participate in appropriate developmental and enrichment courses and orientation programs. This subsection (d) does not prohibit a student who is not determined to need additional preparation for college-level work from enrolling, if the student chooses, during the summer immediately after the student is admitted under this subsection (d).

(Source: P.A. 91-374, eff. 7-30-99.)

Section 20. 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 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, 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 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) In this subsection (d), "approved high school" means a public high school located in this State or a high school located in this State (whether designated as a high school, secondary school, academy, preparatory school, or otherwise) that, in the judgment of the State Superintendent of Education, provides a course of instruction at the secondary level and maintains standards of instruction substantially equivalent to those of the public high schools located in this State, provided that the graduating class of an applicant under this subsection (d) had at least 10 students graduate.

Subject to the other provisions of this Section, for the 2009-2010 academic year and each academic year thereafter, the University shall admit an applicant for admission to the University as an undergraduate student if the applicant graduated in one of the 2 school years preceding the academic year for which the applicant is applying for admission from an approved high school with a grade point average in the top 10% of the student's high school graduating class. To qualify for admission under this subsection (d), an applicant must submit an application before the expiration of any application filing deadline established by the University. The University may require the applicant to take the ACT, SAT, or another entrance examination, but the University may not use the applicant's scores on any of these tests for admission purposes. Admission to the University under this subsection (d) does not entitle the applicant to be admitted into a particular college of study or department at the University.

After admitting an applicant under this subsection (d), the University shall review the applicant's record and any other factor 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. The University may require a student so identified to enroll during the summer immediately after the student is admitted under this subsection (d) to participate in appropriate developmental and enrichment courses and orientation programs. This subsection (d) does not prohibit a student who is not determined to need additional preparation for college-level work from enrolling, if the student chooses, during the summer immediately after the student is admitted under this subsection (d).

(Source: P.A. 91-374, eff. 7-30-99.)

Section 25. 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, music, vocational education or art;

(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 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) In this subsection (d), "approved high school" means a public high school located in this State or a high school located in this State (whether designated as a high school, secondary school, academy, preparatory school, or otherwise) that, in the judgment of the State Superintendent of Education, provides a course of instruction at the secondary level and maintains standards of instruction substantially equivalent to those of the public high schools located in this State, provided that the graduating class of an applicant under this subsection (d) had at least 10 students graduate.

Subject to the other provisions of this Section, for the 2009-2010 academic year and each academic year thereafter, the University shall admit an applicant for admission to the University as an undergraduate student if the applicant graduated in one of the 2 school years preceding the academic year for which the applicant is applying for admission from an approved high school with a grade point average in the top 10% of the student's high school graduating class. To qualify for admission under this subsection (d), an applicant must submit an application before the expiration of any application filing deadline established by the University. The University may require the applicant to take the ACT, SAT, or another entrance examination, but the University may not use the applicant's scores on any of these tests for admission purposes. Admission to the University under this subsection (d) does not entitle the applicant to be admitted into a particular college of study or department at the University.

After admitting an applicant under this subsection (d), the University shall review the applicant's record and any other factor 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. The University may require a student so identified to enroll during the summer immediately after the student is admitted under this subsection (d) to participate in appropriate developmental and enrichment courses and orientation programs. This subsection (d) does not prohibit a student who is not determined to need additional preparation for college-level work from enrolling, if the student chooses, during the summer immediately after the student is admitted under this subsection (d).

(Source: P.A. 91-374, eff. 7-30-99.)

Section 30. The Illinois State University Law is amended by changing Section 20-85 as follows:

(110 ILCS 675/20-85)

Sec. 20-85. Admission requirements.

(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, 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 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 Educational Development (GED) Test as a prerequisite to admission.

(d) In this subsection (d), "approved high school" means a public high school located in this State or a high school located in this State (whether designated as a high school, secondary school, academy, preparatory school, or otherwise) that, in the judgment of the State Superintendent of Education, provides a course of instruction at the secondary level and maintains standards of instruction substantially equivalent to those of the public high schools located in this State, provided that the graduating class of an applicant under this subsection (d) had at least 10 students graduate.

Subject to the other provisions of this Section, for the 2009-2010 academic year and each academic year thereafter, the University shall admit an applicant for admission to the University as an undergraduate student if the applicant graduated in one of the 2 school years preceding the academic year for which the applicant is applying for admission from an approved high school with a grade point average in the top 10% of the student's high school graduating class. To qualify for admission under this subsection (d), an applicant must submit an application before the expiration of any application filing deadline established by the University. The University may require the applicant to take the ACT, SAT, or another entrance examination, but the University may not use the applicant's scores on any of these tests for admission purposes. Admission to the University under this subsection (d) does not entitle the applicant to be admitted into a particular college of study or department at the University.

After admitting an applicant under this subsection (d), the University shall review the applicant's record and any other factor 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. The University may require a student so identified to enroll during the summer immediately after the student is admitted under this subsection (d) to participate in appropriate developmental and enrichment courses and orientation programs. This subsection (d) does not prohibit a student who is not determined to need additional preparation for college-level work from enrolling, if the student chooses, during the summer immediately after the student is admitted under this subsection (d).

(Source: P.A. 91-374, eff. 7-30-99.)

Section 35. 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;

(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, 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 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) In this subsection (d), "approved high school" means a public high school located in this State or a high school located in this State (whether designated as a high school, secondary school, academy, preparatory school, or otherwise) that, in the judgment of the State Superintendent of Education, provides a course of instruction at the secondary level and maintains standards of instruction substantially equivalent to those of the public high schools located in this State, provided that the graduating class of an applicant under this subsection (d) had at least 10 students graduate.

Subject to the other provisions of this Section, for the 2009-2010 academic year and each academic year thereafter, the University shall admit an applicant for admission to the University as an undergraduate student if the applicant graduated in one of the 2 school years preceding the academic year for which the applicant is applying for admission from an approved high school with a grade point average in the top 10% of the student's high school graduating class. To qualify for admission under this subsection (d), an applicant must submit an application before the expiration of any application filing deadline established by the University. The University may require the applicant to take the ACT, SAT, or another entrance examination, but the University may not use the applicant's scores on any of these tests for admission purposes. Admission to the University under this subsection (d) does not entitle the applicant to be admitted into a particular college of study or department at the University.

After admitting an applicant under this subsection (d), the University shall review the applicant's record and any other factor 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. The University may require a student so identified to enroll during the summer immediately after the student is admitted under this subsection (d) to participate in appropriate developmental and enrichment courses and orientation programs. This subsection (d) does not prohibit a student who is not determined to need additional preparation for college-level work from enrolling, if the student chooses, during the summer immediately after the student is admitted under this subsection (d).

(Source: P.A. 91-374, eff. 7-30-99.)

Section 40. 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, 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 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) In this subsection (d), "approved high school" means a public high school located in this State or a high school located in this State (whether designated as a high school, secondary school, academy, preparatory school, or otherwise) that, in the judgment of the State Superintendent of Education, provides a course of instruction at the secondary level and maintains standards of instruction substantially equivalent to those of the public high schools located in this State, provided that the graduating class of an applicant under this subsection (d) had at least 10 students graduate.

Subject to the other provisions of this Section, for the 2009-2010 academic year and each academic year thereafter, the University shall admit an applicant for admission to the University as an undergraduate student if the applicant graduated in one of the 2 school years preceding the academic year for which the applicant is applying for admission from an approved high school with a grade point average in the top 10% of the student's high school graduating class. To qualify for admission under this subsection (d), an applicant must submit an application before the expiration of any application filing deadline established by the University. The University may require the applicant to take the ACT, SAT, or another entrance examination, but the University may not use the applicant's scores on any of these tests for admission purposes. Admission to the University under this subsection (d) does not entitle the applicant to be admitted into a particular college of study or department at the University.

After admitting an applicant under this subsection (d), the University shall review the applicant's record and any other factor 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. The University may require a student so identified to enroll during the summer immediately after the student is admitted under this subsection (d) to participate in appropriate developmental and enrichment courses and orientation programs. This subsection (d) does not prohibit a student who is not determined to need additional preparation for college-level work from enrolling, if the student chooses, during the summer immediately after the student is admitted under this subsection (d).

(Source: P.A. 91-374, eff. 7-30-99.)

Section 45. The Western Illinois University Law is amended by changing Section 35-85 as follows:

(110 ILCS 690/35-85)

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, 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 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 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) In this subsection (d), "approved high school" means a public high school located in this State or a high school located in this State (whether designated as a high school, secondary school, academy, preparatory school, or otherwise) that, in the judgment of the State Superintendent of Education, provides a course of instruction at the secondary level and maintains standards of instruction substantially equivalent to those of the public high schools located in this State, provided that the graduating class of an applicant under this subsection (d) had at least 10 students graduate.

Subject to the other provisions of this Section, for the 2009-2010 academic year and each academic year thereafter, the University shall admit an applicant for admission to the University as an undergraduate student if the applicant graduated in one of the 2 school years preceding the academic year for which the applicant is applying for admission from an approved high school with a grade point average in the top 10% of the student's high school graduating class. To qualify for admission under this subsection (d), an applicant must submit an application before the expiration of any application filing deadline established by the University. The University may require the applicant to take the ACT, SAT, or another entrance examination, but the University may not use the applicant's scores on any of these tests for admission purposes. Admission to the University under this subsection (d) does not entitle the applicant to be admitted into a particular college of study or department at the University.

After admitting an applicant under this subsection (d), the University shall review the applicant's record and any other factor 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. The University may require a student so identified to enroll during the summer immediately after the student is admitted under this subsection (d) to participate in appropriate developmental and enrichment courses and orientation programs. This subsection (d) does not prohibit a student who is not determined to need additional preparation for college-level work from enrolling, if the student chooses, during the summer immediately after the student is admitted under this subsection (d).

(Source: P.A. 91-374, eff. 7-30-99.)