The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes amendments to §5.45(3) and §5.46(5), concerning the academic qualifications of faculty in Texas institutions of higher education in regard to requests for new degree programs. Specifically, these amendments would establish criteria for evaluating faculty credentials in regard to determining faculty members' contributions to proposed degree programs.

Dr. Marshall A. Hill, Assistant Commissioner for Universities and Health-Related Institutions, has determined that for each year of the first five years the amendments are in effect, there will not be any fiscal implications to state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rules.

Dr. Hill has also determined that for each year of the first five years the amendments are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering these amendments will be the improved organization and clarity of rules affecting public institutions of higher education. There is no effect on small businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the sections as proposed. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposed rules may be submitted to Marshall A. Hill, Ph.D., Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711-2788, or by e-mail to Marshall.Hill@thecb.state.tx.us. Comments will be accepted for 30 days following publication of the proposed rules in the Texas Register.

The amendments are proposed under the Texas Education Code, §61.027, which provides the Board with general rule-making authority; §61.002, which establishes the Board as an agency charged to provide leadership and coordination for the Texas higher education system; §61.051, which provides the Board with authority to coordinate institutions of public higher education in promoting quality education; Texas Education Code, §51.807, which provides the Board with the authority to adopt rules relating the Uniform Admissions; Texas Education Code, §51.762(a), which provides the Board with the authority to implement the Common Admission Application, Texas Education Code, §61.074, which provides the Board with the authority to adopt rules relating to grade-point calculation, Texas Education Code, §§61.051(d) and (e), which directs the Board to develop the role and mission of each institution and periodically review the role and mission statements, Tables of Programs, and all certificate and degree programs, Texas Education Code, §61.051(j), which requires the approval of the Board for operation of off-campus educational units, and Texas Education Code, §61.055, which requires a Board finding that a new department, school, or degree or certificate program is adequately financed.

The amendments affect Texas Education Code, §§61.002, 61.002, 61.051, 51.807, 51.762(a), 61.074, 61.051(d) and (e), 61.051(j), and 61.055.