Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1813

Caption

Relating to the adoption of common admission application forms for institutions of higher education.

Impact

By implementing common admission application forms, SB1813 aims to create a more efficient and user-friendly admissions process across the state's institutions of higher education. The bill mandates the adoption of both printed and electronic common application forms, which should be developed in consultation with high school counselors and an advisory committee representing various educational institutions. The introduction of a unified application could potentially increase applications and enrollments as students benefit from a simplified procedure to apply to multiple schools.

Summary

Senate Bill 1813 relates to the adoption of common admission application forms for institutions of higher education in Texas. The primary focus of the bill is to streamline the application process for students seeking admission to various academic institutions by establishing standardized application forms. This move is intended to facilitate easier access to higher education by reducing the complexity involved in the admissions process, particularly for institutions that admit freshman-level students, including general academic teaching institutions and private or independent institutions.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB1813 is largely positive, with support from various stakeholders in the education sector who view this standardization as a progressive step towards improving access to higher education. The bill was passed unanimously in both the Senate and the House, reflecting a general agreement on the need for more cohesive admissions processes in Texas. The move is particularly welcomed by educators and students who consider it an effective way to reduce barriers in pursuing higher education.

Contention

While the sentiment is predominantly positive, there are also points of consideration regarding the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of implementing such common application forms, especially concerning nursing educational programs. There may be concerns about the potential impacts on smaller institutions in terms of how they adapt to this new application system. Overall, though, the bill represents a significant legislative step toward aligning admissions practices, showing a concerted effort by Texas lawmakers to enhance accessibility in higher education.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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