Texas Senate Bill SB36

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/17/11
• Introduced: 11/8/10
• Voted on by Senate: 3/31/11
• Refer: 1/31/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/13/11
• Report Pass: 3/17/11
• Voted on by House: 5/20/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Enrolled: 5/21/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to methods for increasing student success and degree completion at public institutions of higher education.

Impact

The legislation proposes significant changes to the educational framework by instituting a systematic assessment of academic advising. This initiative is expected to provide actionable insights into how advising services can be improved, ultimately leading to better student outcomes in terms of retention and graduation rates. By requiring feedback through student surveys and establishing quantifiable measures for evaluating advising services, SB36 aims to create a more responsive and supportive academic environment that addresses student needs more effectively.

Summary

SB36 is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing student success and degree completion rates at public institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill specifically mandates the establishment of assessment methods for academic advising services. It emphasizes the importance of evaluating the quality and effectiveness of academic advising, which is crucial for guiding students in their educational journeys. The bill seeks to engage input from academic advisors and other professionals within higher education, ensuring the assessments reflect the diverse experiences and needs of students.

Contention

While the bill appears to have a positive outlook concerning student support, its implementation may raise questions regarding resource allocation and the potential administrative burden on institutions. Critics may argue that the administrative requirements to assess and report on advising services could divert resources from direct student support activities. Additionally, there may be concerns about the adequacy of the established assessment methods and whether they can truly capture the effectiveness of advising in enhancing student success.