Texas Senate Bill SB1394

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/20/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/27/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/22/09

Caption

Relating to notification of an applicant for admission to a general academic teaching institution regarding the availability of degree programs in the applicant's preferred major field of study offered by other institutions.

Impact

The bill's introduction is expected to significantly impact how applicants make decisions regarding their education paths, providing them with a broader view of available degree programs beyond their initial choices. By ensuring applicants receive information about similar programs offered at other institutions, SB1394 aims to facilitate informed decision-making, potentially increasing the overall access to higher education. It encourages competition among institutions and may lead to enhanced recruitment strategies as schools strive to attract applicants more effectively.

Summary

SB1394 seeks to enhance transparency in the admissions process for general academic teaching institutions in Texas by mandating that applicants are promptly directed to information about degree programs available in their preferred fields of study from other institutions. The bill amends the Education Code by establishing requirements for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to create a notification system, which will inform applicants of comparable degree offerings and pertinent details such as graduation rates and institutional locations relative to the applicant's home zip code. The intent is to ensure that applicants are fully aware of their options when applying for admission.

Contention

While supporters advocate for increased transparency and informed choices for applicants, there may be concerns regarding the implementation logistics of this notification system. Critics could argue that the additional information might overwhelm applicants or create confusion, especially for those who are already navigating the complexities of the admissions process. There may also be discussions surrounding data privacy and the accuracy of the information provided, especially if institutions are required to share sensitive performance metrics. Overall, the bill's implications could lead to both opportunities and challenges in the higher education landscape.