Requires the Board of Regents to conduct a comprehensive review of the postsecondary needs of the state and each of its regions. (See Act) (EN NO IMPACT See Note)
Impact
The bill is expected to have significant implications for how Louisiana's public postsecondary education operates. By requiring a systematic analysis of educational assets and needs, it aims to enhance the integration and efficiency of educational institutions, potentially impacting funding allocations, program offerings, and administrative structures. The proactive approach to addressing educational demands emphasizes the importance of aligning educational programs with workforce development needs, which could lead to improved economic outcomes for the state. It also suggests possible structural changes to institutions based on enrollment data and needs assessments, aiming to ensure that educational resources are deployed where they are most needed.
Summary
Senate Bill 446, introduced by Senator Hewitt, aims to conduct a comprehensive review of Louisiana's postsecondary education system to evaluate its current status, identify educational demands, and recommend necessary improvements. It mandates the Board of Regents to assess the assets, needs, gaps, and barriers present within the state's postsecondary education framework. This evaluation is designed to ensure that educational institutions effectively meet the demands of both the state and its regions while utilizing state resources efficiently. The findings and recommendations must be presented to the legislative committees ahead of the 2017 session, suggesting a push for timely reform.
Sentiment
The sentiment around SB 446 appears largely supportive, especially among educational leaders who view the comprehensive review as a vital step towards reforming and enhancing Louisiana's higher education landscape. There is anticipation that the recommendations could lead to positive transformations within the system. However, there are concerns regarding the challenges institutions may face in implementing significant changes, particularly around potential mergers, closures, or reconfigurations that could affect faculty positions and program availability. Discussions may also highlight a tension between maintaining local educational traditions and pushing for a more streamlined state-focused education system.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise concerning specific recommendations that the Board of Regents may propose following their evaluation. Stakeholders, including educators and local officials, may have differing opinions on suggested mergers or closures of institutions, which could provoke debates about access to education and equity in service delivery. Additionally, the reliance on traditional metrics such as enrollment and completion data may not adequately reflect the complex needs of different regions, leading to disagreements over how to prioritize educational demand and resource allocation. Ensuring that the unique characteristics of various regions are taken into account may be crucial as discussions unfold following the bill's implementation.
Requests the Board of Regents and the postsecondary education management boards to conduct a comprehensive study of student articulation and transfer in the state.
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)
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. (gov sig) (OR NO IMPACT GF EX See Note)
Provides for a Board of Regents program under which postsecondary institutions agree to achieve certain standards in exchange for authority to increase tuition and for exemption from certain limitations (EN INCREASE SG RV See Note)
Requests the Board of Regents to re-examine the state's public postsecondary education delivery system and make recommendations regarding the role, scope, and mission of each public postsecondary institution.
Requires BESE, the Board of Regents, and public postsecondary education boards to participate in regular meetings regarding articulation and transfer policies and agreements. (gov sig) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
Requests the Board of Regents to conduct a study of two-year college services offered in northeast Louisiana and determine how best to meet both the educational needs of students and workforce development needs of business and industry in the region.