(a) In this section, “degree plan” means a statement of the course of study requirements that an undergraduate student enrolled in a public higher education institution must complete to graduate from the institution.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, each undergraduate student enrolled in a public senior higher education institution shall file a degree plan with the institution as soon as practicable but not later than by the completion of 45 credit hours of course work.

(c) Each undergraduate student who transfers to a public senior higher education institution with at least 45 credit hours of course work shall file a degree plan with the institution during the student’s first semester at the institution.

(d) Each degree-seeking undergraduate student enrolled at a community college shall file a degree plan with the institution on entering the institution.

(e) A degree plan filed under this section shall:

(1) (i) Be developed in consultation with an academic advisor in the student’s degree program; or

(ii) If an academic advisor is not available in the student’s degree program, any academic advisor at the institution; and

(2) Follow a pathway to a degree as required under § 15-115 of this subtitle.