The passage of SB959 is expected to have a positive impact on the academic services offered by the Pamantasan Council within the University of Hawaii. By funding these additional academic support positions, the bill aims to improve the quality of educational services, which may directly affect student performance and satisfaction. Increased staffing in support roles can help facilitate academic advising, student engagement, and retention efforts, thereby potentially leading to improved graduation rates and collegiate success.
Summary
Senate Bill 959 aims to appropriate funds specifically for the University of Hawaii Pamantasan Council to support the addition of three full-time equivalent (3.0 FTE) academic and support service specialist positions. This bill underscores the state's commitment to enhancing its educational infrastructure by ensuring that there are adequate resources and personnel to support academic initiatives at the University of Hawaii. The total funding amount is yet to be determined, but it is intended to be allocated for the fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025.
Contention
While the bill has passed through the Senate Higher Education Committee, unamended, without any opposing votes recorded, there could still be underlying discussions regarding budget allocations and the prioritization of educational funding. As state budgets are often constrained, there may be concerns about ensuring that such appropriations do not detract from other vital educational or social services. Stakeholders may raise debates on how effectively the Pamantasan Council can utilize the additional funds and positions to achieve desired educational outcomes.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.