The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes an amendment to §5.48, concerning Approval of New Academic Programs and Administrative Changes at Public Universities, Health-Related Institutions, and/or Selected Public Colleges. This amendment clarifies terminology used in the section regarding lower-division career/technical and workforce education certificate programs. The amendment changes the term "workforce" to the more current "career technical/workforce," which is the terminology used in the proposed amendments to Chapter 9, Program Development in Public Two-Year Colleges.

Dr. MacGregor M. Stephenson, Assistant Commissioner for Academic Affairs and Research, has determined that for each year of the first five years the section is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications to state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Dr. Stephenson has also determined that for each year of the first five years the section is in effect, the proposed change would benefit students by providing them with a pre-degree-completion credential demonstrating a certain level of academic attainment, and to institutions by providing a success measure.

There is no effect on small businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the section as proposed. There would be no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Dr. MacGregor M. Stephenson, Assistant Commissioner, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711 or macgregor.stephenson@thecb.state.tx.us. Comments will be accepted for 30 days following publication of the proposal in the Texas Register.

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Education Code, Chapter 61.

The amendment affects implementation of Texas Education Code, Chapter 61.051(g).