The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) proposes amendments to §§5.43, 5.44, and 5.52, concerning Approval of New Academic Programs and Administrative Changes at Public Universities, Health-Related Institutions, and Review of Existing Degree Programs.

Specifically, the proposed amendments to §5.43 would create definitions for terms related to the implementation of new degree programs and the review of existing programs. Section 5.44 would add a condition for the automatic approval of new bachelor's programs specifying that the minimum number of semester credit hours required to complete the program would not be greater than 120. The proposed amendments also state that if an institution proposes a bachelor's program requiring more than 120 semester credit hours, the institution must provide detailed written documentation regarding programmatic accreditation requirements, statutory requirements, or licensure/certification requirements that cannot be met without exceeding the 120-hour limit. The proposed amendments to §5.52 add requirements for the periodic evaluation of master's and doctoral programs at public universities and health-related institutions.

Dr. MacGregor Stephenson, Assistant Commissioner for Academic Affairs and Research, has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections 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. Stephenson has also determined that for each year of the first five years the sections are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering §5.43 and §5.44 will be the assurance of the most cost-efficient pathway to completion of a bachelor's degree, for both the state and the student. The public benefit anticipated as a result of administering §5.52 will be the regular evaluation and improvement of graduate programs at public institutions in Texas. There will be no effect on small businesses. There will be no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the sections as proposed. There will be 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 amendments are proposed under the Texas Education Code, §61.051(e), which provides that the Coordinating Board shall review all degree programs offered by public institutions of higher education to assure that they meet the present and future needs of the state that no new departments, school, degree program, or certificate program may be added at any public institution of higher education except with specific prior approval of the Coordinating Board.

The amendments affect Texas Education Code, §61.051(e).