Relating to student members of the board of regents of a state university system or a state university.
Impact
If enacted, HB 712 would likely strengthen the role of student regents by granting them voting privileges and aligning their responsibilities more closely with those of other board members. The changes proposed in the bill emphasize the importance of maintaining a good academic standing, requiring student regents to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. By including student regents as active participants in the governance of university systems, the bill could lead to better advocacy for student interests and more responsive university policies.
Summary
House Bill 712 seeks to amend the Education Code of Texas concerning the appointment and responsibilities of the student members of the board of regents for state university systems. The bill modifies the existing provisions to allow for a more streamlined process in the selection of student regents, which includes changes to the timeline for applications and the qualifications for candidates. This bill aims to enhance student representation in governance, ensuring that students have a voice in decision-making processes within higher education institutions.
Contention
While the bill is generally aimed at improving student governance, some may question the implications of granting voting rights to student regents. Concerns may arise regarding the balancing of student interests with the broader directives of the university systems, particularly as students may have differing priorities compared to long-term board members. Additionally, the requirement for a minimum GPA could be seen as a barrier for some students who wish to serve, raising questions about inclusivity in representation.
Relating to the creation of a new university in Nacogdoches, Texas, within The University of Texas System and the allocation of the annual constitutional appropriation to certain agencies and institutions of higher education; abolishing Stephen F. Austin State University.
Relating to the creation of a new university in Nacogdoches, Texas, within The University of Texas System and the allocation of the annual constitutional appropriation to certain agencies and institutions of higher education; abolishing Stephen F. Austin State University.
Proposing a constitutional amendment creating a university research fund to support emerging research universities in The University of Texas System or The Texas A&M University System and disqualifying all component institutions of those university systems from receiving money from the national research university fund.
Relating to an exemption from or refund of tuition and fees for certain lower-division students enrolled at Texas Southern University or Prairie View A&M University.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to entitle all component institutions of The Texas A&M University System and The University of Texas System to participate in the income and other benefits of the permanent university fund.
Relating to the administration and investment of, and distribution and use of money from, certain constitutional and statutory funds to support general academic teaching institutions in achieving national prominence as major research universities and driving the state economy; redesignating the national research university fund as the Texas University Fund.
Relating to the establishment of an adult stem cell research program and to certain reporting requirements with regard to research involving human stem cells or human cloning.