The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) proposes an amendment to §5.46, concerning Approval of New Academic Programs and Administrative Changes at Public Universities, Health-Related Institutions, and Assessment of Existing Degree Programs for the purpose of adding an additional criterion for the approval of new doctoral degree programs. The new criterion would stipulate that the most recent six-year baccalaureate degree graduation rate must equal or exceed the most recent six-year statewide average baccalaureate degree graduation rate. For the purposes of the proposed amendment, baccalaureate degree graduation rates at Texas A&M University and The University of Texas at Austin would not be included in the calculation of the statewide average six-year baccalaureate degree graduation rate.

Dr. MacGregor 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 for state or local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the section as proposed.

Dr. Stephenson has also determined that for each year of the first five years the section is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering the section will help assure that institutions applying for new doctoral degree programs establish and maintain productive baccalaureate degree programs. There will be no effect on small businesses. There will be no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the section as proposed. There will 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 provisions of Texas Education Code, Chapter 61, Subchapter C, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to regulate the awarding or offering of degrees, credit toward degrees, and the use of certain terms.

The amendment affects Texas Education Code, §61.051(e).