The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board adopts amendments to §5.45 and §5.46, concerning the academic qualifications of faculty in Texas institutions of higher education in regard to requests for new degree programs without changes to the proposed text as published in the November 19, 2004, issue of the Texas Register (29 TexReg 10672).

Specifically, these amendments would establish criteria for evaluating faculty credentials in regard to determining faculty members' contributions to proposed degree programs.

The following comments were received regarding the amendments:

Comments: Texas A&M University supports the Coordinating Board decision to consider only accredited U.S. degrees and degrees from international institutions that have demonstrated equivalence to U.S. degrees when evaluating faculty resources needed for new degree programs.

Response: No changes were made as a result of this comment.

The amendments are adopted 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.