Urges and requests the Board of Regents to study alternative uses of underutilized facilities at public postsecondary education institutions
Impact
The bill has the potential to impact state laws related to the operation and utilization of public postsecondary institutions. It emphasizes the importance of identifying and utilizing underutilized spaces not only for educational purposes but also for community and economic development. The findings from the Board of Regents' study may lead to new legislative recommendations on how these facilities could better serve public interests, thereby addressing both financial and resource allocation efficiency within the Department of Education.
Summary
HCR78 urges and requests the Board of Regents to study alternative uses for underutilized facilities at public postsecondary education institutions in Louisiana. It recognizes the current trend of declining enrollment while existing facilities have the capacity to accommodate thousands more students than currently enrolled. By exploring alternative uses of these facilities, the bill aims not just to maximize state resources but also to contribute to economic development and provide essential services to the community.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HCR78 appears to be largely positive, as it seeks to maximize the use of state resources while addressing the growing challenges faced by public postsecondary institutions. Many stakeholders, including educational leaders and community organizations, view the exploration of alternative uses as a pragmatic approach to enhance the financial sustainability of education facilities, thus supporting the mission of higher education while serving community needs.
Contention
While there is a general agreement on the need to address the issue of underutilized postsecondary facilities, some concerns may arise regarding the potential impact on educational quality and mission. Ensuring that any alternative uses do not interfere with the primary objective of these institutions—providing quality education to students—is paramount. Overall, discussions may reveal different perspectives on how to balance economic initiatives with educational responsibilities.
Requests that the Board of Regents, in consultation with the public postsecondary education management boards, study issues and compile data relative to faculty at public postsecondary education institutions
Provides relative to the La. Granting Resources and Autonomy for Diplomas Act, including additional operational autonomies to be granted to public postsecondary education institutions and reporting requirements for such institutions and the Board of Regents (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
Requests the Board of Regents to consider articulation and transfer efforts of public postsecondary educational institutions when allocating funds through the funding formula for public postsecondary education.
Requests the Board of Regents, in consultation with the LCTCS board, to study availability of facilities under jurisdiction of other public postsecondary mgmt. education boards that can be used by LCTCS for regional programs
Requests that the Board of Regents, the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance, and public postsecondary education institutions take certain actions to improve postsecondary education outcomes in Louisiana
(Constitutional Amendment) Abolishes the Board of Regents, LSU board, Southern University board, and UL board and creates the La. University System Board of Trustees (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Provides for the transfer of UNO from the LSU System to the UL System and specifies goals for the postsecondary education delivery system for the New Orleans region (REF INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Constitutional Amendment to abolish the Board of Regents and the postsecondary management boards and transfer their powers, duties, and responsibilities to a newly created La. Postsecondary Education Board of Trustees. (2/3 - CA13s1(A)) (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)