The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) proposes new §5.53 and §5.54 concerning Approval of New Academic Programs and Administrative Changes at Public Universities, Health-Related Institutions, and Assessment of Existing Degree Programs. Specifically, these new sections would establish the authority for quality and effectiveness audits of new doctoral degree programs and establish a procedure for handling instances of noncompliance with conditions of approval of new doctoral degree programs.

Dr. MacGregor Stephenson, Assistant Commissioner for Academic Affairs and Research, has determined that for each year of the first five years the new sections are in effect, there will not be any fiscal implications to state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the sections.

Dr. Stephenson has also determined that for each year of the first five years the new sections are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering the sections will be the establishment of quality and effectiveness audits and procedures for handling noncompliance issues. 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 proposal may be submitted by mail to Dr. MacGregor Stephenson, Assistant Commissioner for Academic Affairs and Research, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, 1200 E. Anderson Lane, Austin, Texas 78752 or by email to macgregor.stephenson@thecb.state.tx.us. Comments will be accepted for 30 days following publication of the proposal in the Texas Register.

The new sections are proposed under the Texas Education Code, §61.051, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to coordinate institutions of higher education.

The new sections affect Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 5, Subchapter C.