Texas House Bill HB3747

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to a requirement that each state university provide to a student certain employment data relating to the student's major field of study.

Impact

By introducing this requirement, HB3747 is expected to increase transparency in higher education and aid students in understanding the job market related to their studies. Institutions must proactively disseminate information derived from the Texas Consumer Resource for Education and Workforce Statistics (Texas CREWS) reports, enabling students to understand the employment landscape prior to committing to a major. This aligns with broader efforts to improve workforce readiness among graduates and ensure that education is closely tied to employment outcomes.

Summary

House Bill 3747 mandates that public universities in Texas provide employment data relevant to a student's major field of study. The bill specifically addresses first-time undergraduate and transfer students, ensuring they receive pertinent information regarding gainful employment opportunities linked to their chosen major. This initiative is aimed at providing students with data that can enhance their educational choices and career planning, equipping them with necessary insights for making informed decisions about their fields of study.

Contention

While there may not be widespread opposition to the core idea of providing employment data to students, potential points of contention could revolve around the implementation details, such as the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the data provided. Institutions might raise concerns regarding the burden of compliance, particularly regarding the timeliness of the data and any associated costs of updating materials and online resources. Ensuring that all schools maintain uniformity in reporting might also pose challenges, leading to debates about the standardization of data presentation.