Texas Senate Bill SB1356

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the approval of certain degree programs by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Impact

The enactment of SB1356 will impact state laws governing higher education by altering the approval timeline for degree programs. By mandating the board's approval within a specific timeframe for certain junior college programs, it aims to reduce bureaucratic delays that can hinder educational institutions from offering new and updated curricula. This change is particularly significant as it emphasizes the importance of baccalaureate degree offerings at junior colleges and recognizes their role in expanding educational opportunities.

Summary

SB1356 aims to streamline the process by which the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approves certain degree programs, specifically those offered by public junior colleges. The bill allows the board to approve baccalaureate degree programs within 60 days after receiving notice, provided the program is not in engineering and has the consent of the governing board of the junior college. This legislative change seeks to enhance the efficiency of program approvals, thereby facilitating quicker access to higher education for students at these institutions.

Contention

While most legislative discussions around SB1356 have focused on its potential to increase efficiency in degree program approvals, there may be concerns regarding the quality and oversight of programs that can be quickly approved. Critics might argue that fast-tracking the approval process could lead to inadequate scrutiny of proposed programs, particularly those that might require specialized accreditation, such as health or engineering programs. Thus, there might be a need for a balanced approach that maintains academic standards while also fostering educational access.