SLS 12RS-5200 ORIGINAL
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Regular Session, 2012
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 167
BY SENATOR WALSWORTH
TUITION. Requests the Board of Regents to study the feasibility of delegating tuition-
setting authority to the state's public postsecondary professional schools.
A RESOLUTION1
To urge and request the Board of Regents to study the feasibility, practicality, and2
advisability of delegating tuition-setting authority to the state's public institutions3
that provide professional programs.4
WHEREAS, traditionally, state support for public postsecondary education has far5
exceeded the amount charged to students in the form of tuition and fees, the harsh reality6
imposed by the lingering economic recession has resulted in decreased state support for the7
state's public postsecondary education institutions, including the professional schools; and8
WHEREAS, while Louisiana's postsecondary students have historically benefitted9
from low tuition rates compared to their counterparts throughout the region, current10
enrollment patterns and economic circumstances dictate that this traditional funding11
paradigm be reexamined and reassessed; and12
WHEREAS, the ability of postsecondary institutions, especially the professional13
schools, to make up the growing gap between state and student generated revenues is14
impacted by constitutional and statutory requirements for legislative approval of any15
increases in student tuition and fees; and16
WHEREAS, the cost of professional programs varies widely based upon faculty17
requirements and the type of training required for the student to successfully enter his chosen18 SR NO. 167
SLS 12RS-5200 ORIGINAL
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field or to obtain professional licensure; and1
WHEREAS, there is a growing national trend for states to deregulate the setting of2
student tuition, thereby allowing public colleges, universities, and professional schools to3
establish tuition rates that are responsive to market conditions and the needs of students; and4
WHEREAS, it is logical to examine the process by which tuition is established for5
the state's public professional schools, not only in the context of the appropriate ratio of state6
to student support, but also considering student demand and market forces without losing7
sight of the need for maximum student access and affordability.8
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana9
does hereby urge and request the Board of Regents to study the feasibility, practicality, and10
advisability of delegating tuition-setting authority to the state's public institutions that11
provide professional programs.12
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Regents shall submit a written13
report of its findings and recommendations, including any legislation which may be required14
to implement such recommendations, to the Senate Committee on Finance, the Senate15
Committee on Education, the House Committee on Appropriations, and the House16
Committee on Education, not later than March 1, 2013.17
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the18
chairman of the Board of Regents and the commissioner of higher education.19
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Jeanne C. Johnston.
DIGEST
Walsworth SR No.
Requests the Board of Regents to study the feasibility, practicality, and advisability of
delegating tuition-setting authority to the state's public institutions that provide professional
programs.
Requires a written report be submitted to the Senate Committee on Finance, the Senate
Committee on Education, the House Committee on Appropriations, and the House
Committee on Education, not later than March 1, 2013.