Reps. Fudge and Curtis Introduce Time for Completion Act

Press Release

Today, Reps. Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) and John Curtis (UT-3) introduced the Time for Completion Act of 2019. The bill updates the way institutions calculate completion rates and provides students and families with critical information to better evaluate the performance of colleges and universities.

"It is critical that we understand that many students take the non-traditional path to obtain their degrees, said Rep. Fudge. "Students working while attending classes, part-time students, and students with children face unique challenges that can contribute to longer times for program completion. I am proud to introduce legislation that will properly count every student earning a degree and allow potential enrollees to make more informed decisions when choosing an institution of higher learning."

Each year, tens of thousands of community college students, receiving degrees, certificates or other credentials, are classified as "drop-outs" for not completing their studies within the completion timeframe determined by the Higher Education Act (HEA). The Time for Completion Act amends the HEA to update outdated federal graduation rate measurements to better reflect successful outcomes at community colleges and universities.

"While representing the youngest congressional district, I am constantly seeking ways to improve educational opportunities for students," said Rep. Curtis. "I am proud to partner with my colleague, Congresswoman Fudge, to introduce bipartisan legislation that will increase transparency and enable students to make more informed decisions for themselves and their families regarding higher education."

"Salt Lake Community College and community colleges across the nation play a critical role in providing opportunities for students to succeed in their educational pursuits," said President Deneece G. Huftalin, Salt Lake Community College. "We join community colleges in applauding and thanking Congresswoman Marcia Fudge and Congressman John Curtis for their leadership on this important issue. The Time for Completion Act will ensure that the millions of community college students who graduate with certificates or degrees are appropriately recognized by the federal government as college completers."

The Time for Completion Act has been endorsed by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) and the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).

The bill was first introduced by Rep. Fudge and former Rep. Mia Love (UT-4) in 2017.

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