The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) proposes amendments to §§5.41, 5.43, 5.44, 5.48, 5.49, 5.50, and 5.52 concerning Rules Applying to Public Universities, Health-Related Institutions, and/or Selected Public Colleges of Higher Education in Texas (Approval of New Academic Programs at Public Universities, Health-Related Institutions, and Review of Existing Degree Programs). The intent of the amendments is to reduce the amount of time spent by public institutions and Board staff in submitting, reviewing, and approving requests for changes to administrative units at public universities and health-related institutions (HRIs). These amendments would allow public institutions to make changes to their administrative structures without requesting permission from the Coordinating Board. The amendments would also require public universities and HRIs offering a new degree or certificate program to notify all public institutions within 50 miles of the teaching site of their intention to offer the program at least 30 days prior to submitting their request to the Coordinating Board. The amendments would also change the required date of submission for graduate program review documents from 90 days to 180 days.

Dr. Stacey Silverman, Interim Assistant Commissioner for Workforce, Academic Affairs and Research, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amendments are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local governments as a result of amending these sections.

Dr. Silverman has also determined that for each year of the first five years the proposed amendments are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering the sections will be to reduce the amount of time spent by public institutions and Board staff in submitting, reviewing, and approving requests for changes to administrative units at public universities and health-related institutions. The benefits of administering the sections would also include better coordination and efficiency of delivery between public institutions offering similar degree and certificate programs. 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 proposed amendments may be submitted by mail to Stacey Silverman, Interim Assistant Commissioner, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711 or via email at WAARcomments@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, Chapter 61, Subchapter C, §61.051(e), which states that no new department, school, degree program, or certificate program may be added at any public institution of higher education except with specific prior approval of the board.

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