The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) proposes an amendment to §5.46, concerning Criteria for New Doctoral Programs. The amendment to §5.46(8)(B) is to provide an accurate reference to the section of the Texas Administrative Code requiring Coordinating Board approval prior to public colleges and universities delivering doctoral programs through distance education and/or off-campus instruction.

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

Dr. Stephenson has also determined that for each year of the first five years the amendment is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering the section will be the clarification of the section of the Texas Administrative Code that requires Coordinating Board approval prior to public colleges and universities delivering doctoral programs through distance education and/or off-campus instruction. There will be no effect on small businesses. There are 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 by mail to Dr. MacGregor M. Stephenson, Assistant Commissioner, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711; or via email to WAARcomments@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, Subchapter C, §61.051(j), which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to require public colleges and universities to gain approval from the Coordinating Board prior to the delivery of doctoral programs through distance education and/or off-campus instruction.

The amendment affects the Texas Education Code, Chapter 61, Subchapter C, §61.051(j).