The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: (1) Benchmark(s)--Point(s) of reference that designate movement towards the achievement of national recognition developed for each designated program by an external, out-of-state consultant and approved by the Board. (2) Board--The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. (3) Commissioner of Higher Education or Commissioner--The Agency acting through its executive, and his other designees, staff, or agents. (4) Designated program or designated degree program--The degree program designated by an institution and approved by the Board for consideration of benchmark awards under the grant program described in this subchapter. (5) Emerging research university--A public institution of higher education designated as an emerging research university under the Board's accountability system. (6) Endowed faculty position--A person who is employed full-time by an institution of higher education as a member of the faculty whose primary duties include teaching, research, academic service, or administration and holds a professorship paid for with the revenue from an endowment fund specifically set up for that purpose. The term does not include a person holding faculty rank who spends a majority of the person's time for the institution engaged in managerial or supervisory activities, including a chancellor, vice chancellor, president, vice president, provost, associate or assistant provost, or dean. (7) Field(s) of study--A set of courses that leads to a baccalaureate, master's or doctoral degree. Within the context of this subchapter, field(s) of study is synonymous with degree program(s). (8) General academic teaching institution--A public institution of higher education as designated by Texas Education Code, §61.003(3). (9) Highest national ranking or recognition--A program that is determined to be of national excellence based upon review by out-of-state consultants with relevant expertise in the field. (10) Medical and/or dental unit--A public institution of higher education as designated by Texas Education Code, §61.003(5). (11) Programs--Designated program or designated degree program as defined in this section. (12) Public state college--A public institution of higher education as designated by Texas Education Code, §61.003(16). (13) Research university--A public institution of higher education designated as a research university under the Board's accountability system. |
