The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) adopts new §§1.206 - 1.212, concerning Undergraduate Education Advisory Committee. Section 1.208 and §1.211 are adopted with changes to the proposed text as published in the September 20, 2013, issue of the Texas Register (38 TexReg 6135). Sections 1.206, 1.207, 1.209, 1.210, and 1.212 are adopted without changes and will not be republished.

Specifically, these rules govern the purpose, membership, meeting requirements, tasks, reporting requirements, and abolishment date of the Undergraduate Education Advisory Committee.

The following comment was received regarding the new sections.

A joint letter of the following comment was received from The University of Texas System, Texas A&M University System, Texas State University System, Texas Tech University System, University of North Texas System, University of Houston System, Midwestern State University, Stephen F. Austin University and Texas Woman's University.

Comment: We recommend that the terms of the Undergraduate Education Advisory Committee members be specified as staggered to ensure continuity and consistency in the decision making process.

Staff response: Staff concurs with this comment with one modification, to use the phrase "staggered terms of up to three years." This will give the Board the opportunity to bring membership in line with a three-year rotation, should it become necessary. For example, if a member resigns prematurely, the Board could appoint a replacement with a shorter term. If a member serves a shorter term, there would be no prohibition to assign that member to another, full three-year term, if desired.

The new sections are adopted under Texas Government Code, Chapter 2110, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to create advisory committees.