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Regular Session, 2012 ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 167
BY SENATOR WALSWORTH
A RESOLUTION
To urge and request 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.
WHEREAS, traditionally, state support for public postsecondary education has far
exceeded the amount charged to students in the form of tuition and fees, the harsh reality
imposed by the lingering economic recession has resulted in decreased state support for the
state's public postsecondary education institutions, including the professional schools; and
WHEREAS, while Louisiana's postsecondary students have historically benefitted
from low tuition rates compared to their counterparts throughout the region, current
enrollment patterns and economic circumstances dictate that this traditional funding
paradigm be reexamined and reassessed; and
WHEREAS, the ability of postsecondary institutions, especially the professional
schools, to make up the growing gap between state and student generated revenues is
impacted by constitutional and statutory requirements for legislative approval of any
increases in student tuition and fees; and
WHEREAS, the cost of professional programs varies widely based upon faculty
requirements and the type of training required for the student to successfully enter his chosen
field or to obtain professional licensure; and
WHEREAS, there is a growing national trend for states to deregulate the setting of
student tuition, thereby allowing public colleges, universities, and professional schools to
establish tuition rates that are responsive to market conditions and the needs of students; and
WHEREAS, it is logical to examine the process by which tuition is established for
the state's public professional schools, not only in the context of the appropriate ratio of state
to student support, but also considering student demand and market forces without losing
sight of the need for maximum student access and affordability.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby urge and request the Board of Regents to study the feasibility, practicality, and SR NO. 167 ENROLLED
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advisability of delegating tuition-setting authority to the state's public institutions that
provide professional programs.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Regents shall submit a written
report of its findings and recommendations, including any legislation which may be required
to implement such recommendations, 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.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
chairman of the Board of Regents and the commissioner of higher education.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE