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23 Document(s) [ Subject: Higher education affordability ]

Committee:	House Higher Education
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Financial investments | Foreign investments | Higher education | Higher education affordability | Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas | Hinson-Hazlewood College Student Loan Program | Investment of public funds | Job training programs | Permanent University Fund | Russia | School discipline | Student aid | Teacher retention | Teacher retirement | Teacher Retirement System of Texas | Teacher shortages | Teacher training | University finance | Veterans | Workforce |
Library Call Number:	L1836.88 Ed84hh
Session:	87th R.S. (2021)
Online version:	View report [98 pages  File size: 10,030 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following: SB 1102, 87th R.S. relating to the establishment of the Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE) Program to support workforce education; and SB 1295, 87th R.S. relating to financial support and incentives for comprehensive regional universities.
2.	Review progress toward the goals of the 60x30TX plan, including institutional strategies for responding to changing workforce needs and demands, including workforce education, industry certification, and degree programs to address healthcare shortages.
3.	Examine factors that have contributed to the rising costs of higher education, including the effect of statutory tuition and fee waivers and exemptions, the cost of compliance with state and federal mandates, and the increase in the number of non-faculty staff. Make recommendations for controlling these costs and ensuring a sound fiscal approach to managing college affordability for the future.
4.	Evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the state’s teacher workforce and current practices to improve the recruitment, preparation, and retention of high-quality educators. Explore the impact of the educator preparation program regulatory environment. Make recommendations to improve educator recruitment, retention, and preparation throughout the state. (Joint Charge with Committee on Public Education)
5.	Review the impact of investments of endowment and other trust funds, including the Permanent University Fund, by university systems and institutions of higher education in businesses and funds owned or controlled by the Russian government or Russian nationals, and determine the need for investment restrictions. Consider the impact of any proposed investment restrictions on fund performance.
Committee:	House Higher Education
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Dual credit high school programs | Higher education | Higher education affordability | Hurricane Harvey | Nontraditional students | Sex crimes | Sexual harassment | Teacher training |
Library Call Number:	L1836.85 Ed84hh
Session:	85th R.S. (2017)
Online version:	View report [23 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Determine, to the extent possible, the scope of financial losses to 2- and 4-year institutions, including facilities, that resulted from Hurricane Harvey. Recommend possible state actions to mitigate any negative impact on institutions and ensure governance structures and parameters allow for effective responses. Review the educational opportunities offered to students displaced by Harvey throughout the state. Recommend any changes that could improve the process and what additional services might be needed for these displaced students.
2.	Determine the impact of any federal action pertaining to Title IX and the potential effects on current state laws and rules pertaining to sexual misconduct policies at institutions of higher education.
3.	Examine the rapid growth of dual credit course offerings across the state, and evaluate whether dual credit is effectively reducing time-to-degree and improving affordability for students and the state. Evaluate institutions’ policies and processes for ensuring rigor and quality, and the adequacy of student advising regarding the potential applicability of dual credit courses to future academic program requirements. Review the current state funding methodology and costs of, and the share of state funding attributable to, dual credit programs.
4.	Examine efforts of 2- and 4-year institutions to implement innovative and non-traditional models of education delivery to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student body and the demands of a rapidly changing workforce. Identify any obstacles to institutional innovation. Make recommendations to scale innovative educational models to better serve students and employers.
5.	Review current data available to the public about Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) and make recommendations to ensure the data is transparent, user-friendly, and actionable. Review the current EPP accountability system and recommend any new indicators or changes, including evaluating the ability of programs to meet the workforce needs of school districts by preparing teachers for high-needs areas. Determine ways to measure the effectiveness of teachers prepared by individual programs. For traditional EPP programs, make recommendations on how to more fully involve boards of regents in an effort to elevate the importance of teacher preparation within our state institutions. Examine current joint partnerships between EPPs and public schools to meet regional workforce needs, and make recommendations on how to scale these partnerships. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Public Education S/C on Teacher Quality)
6.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 85th Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the Committee will also specifically include: S.B. 2118 (85R) and 60x30TX, the higher education strategic plan.
Committee:	Senate Higher Education
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Bachelor's degrees | Career preparedness | College preparatory curriculum | Community college finance | Community colleges | Curriculum | Dual credit high school programs | Early college high schools | English as second language | Higher education affordability | Medical education | Nursing education | Student aid | Student loans | Teacher quality | Teacher retention | Teacher shortages | Teacher training | Tuition | Tuition deregulation | University finance |
Library Call Number:	L1836.84 Ed83h
Session:	84th R.S. (2015)
Online version:	View report [93 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	HB 5 Implementation, 60x30TX/Higher Education Alignment: Monitor the ongoing implementation of HB 5, 83rd R.S., and examine current projections for preparation of Texas high school students for postsecondary education and workforce training. Examine best practices and recommend strategies to align the implementation with the 60x30TX higher education plan, including, but not limited to, dual credit, credit transferability, and fields of study. (Joint Charge with Senate Education)
2.	Performance Funding for GAIs and Community Colleges: Study current funding methods for both general academic institutions and community colleges, examining current performance-based methods of funding for community colleges. Review funding methods used in other states and make recommendations on how to incorporate and/or change student outcome measures in institutional funding to benefit students and promote the education needs of a rapidly growing and changing workforce.
3.	Tuition Deregulation and Student Debt: Examine and make recommendations regarding tuition and student debt at public institutions of higher education in Texas. Specifically, study how Texas compares to peer states, variance between institutions, how accountability measures can be used to impact tuition, and increases in tuition since 2003.
4.	Tuition/Fee Waivers, Tuition Set-Asides, Financial Aid: Conduct a review of all tuition and fee waivers and exemptions, as well as tuition set-asides currently in law, and examine how students who do not receive the benefits of either bear these resulting costs. Study how other states treat similar populations, whether federal benefits are available, and make recommendations to ensure the efficacy of waivers and exemptions, and tuition set-asides. Examine current financial aid programs, studying their efficacy, and make recommendations on how to provide programs to meet the needs of all students in light of the recent repeal of the state's Top 10% Scholarship program and B-On-Time program.
5.	General Academic Institution(GAI)/Health Related Institution(HRI) Funding: Conduct a comprehensive review of funding for GAIs and HRIs, examining whether the methodology for funding the same courses is equitable and productive. Make recommendations on how to update and streamline the current funding methods, to provide a consistent methodology that focuses on student success and innovative strategies. Include in the review a focus on tuition-revenue generating special items and formula and research funding for new medical schools.
6.	Baccalaureate Degrees at Community Colleges: Study regional workforce needs in the state and make recommendations on whether metrics should be applied to authorize public community colleges to offer certain baccalaureate degrees in order to meet the regional workforce needs.
7.	Monitoring Charge: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Higher Education and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following: 1) Initiatives designed to create effective, clear transfer pathways for students, including the newly enacted multidisciplinary studies associate degree; 2) Implementation and progress of the Math and Science Scholars Loan Repayment Program; and 3) The progress of the pilot program enacted by the 83rd legislature relating to improving student loan default rates and financial aid literacy among postsecondary students.
8.	Teacher Preparation, Retention, Shortages: Study teacher shortage and retention issues in Texas and evaluate educator preparation programs to determine if these programs are preparing educators for the rigors of the 21st century classroom. In particular, examine the shortages of ELL, special education, and STEM educators across the state and identify the issues creating a shortage. Make recommendations to improve educator preparation throughout the state and increase certification rates. (Joint Charge with Senate Education)
Committee:	House Higher Education
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Community college finance | Community college students | Community colleges | Hazlewood Act | Higher education | Higher education affordability | Nontraditional students | Sex crimes | Student aid | Tuition | Veterans |
Library Call Number:	L1836.84 Ed84hh
Session:	84th R.S. (2015)
Online version:	View report [100 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Conduct a review of current funding formulas for community colleges. Specifically, focus on the elements of the instructional funding structure created by the 83rd Legislature: core operations, student success points, and contact hour funding and also the adequacy of state funding to sustain community colleges in light of the variance in resources available to individual colleges. Make recommendations for possible changes to the funding structure of community colleges or changes in the levels of current funding given the future workforce and higher educational needs of the state. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Appropriations)
2.	Review the state's community college system, including a discussion of taxing districts, service areas and any barriers to access. Examine the governance structure to ensure that campuses in multi campus districts that are outside of a college taxing district receive fair and equitable treatment. Review the accounting and reporting requirements of community college districts to ensure open government and transparency. Study ways community colleges could offer accessible and affordable baccalaureate degree programs in areas where the state has a significant workforce shortage without compromising quality of education and training. Make recommendations to maximize efficient student pathways and to offer more affordable educational opportunities such as through dual credit and early college start programs.
3.	Study the affordability and accessibility of undergraduate college education in Texas, including a focus on middle-class students. Analyze the cost of attendance and tuition rates, comparing Texas institutions to their national peers. Review the availability and effectiveness of financial aid programs, and analyze student debt and default rates. Study and recommend ways to promote timely and cost efficient graduation.
4.	Study current policies and initiatives at institutions of higher education, including community colleges, and make recommendations toward the prevention and elimination of sexual assault on college campuses. Identify, evaluate, and recommend reporting mechanisms to ensure that students have safe, appropriate, and accessible avenues for reporting sexual assault. Study the existing campus support systems in place for students who are victims of assault, and provide recommendations of best practices. Evaluate the effectiveness of current policies and make recommendations to support the prevention and elimination of sexual assault at institutions of higher education in Texas.
5.	Study the long-term viability of the Hazlewood Act, in particular the legacy tuition exemption provision. Review eligibility requirements and recommend changes to ensure that the program can remain solvent. Examine the costs of the program to institutions of higher education, including foregone tuition, additional infrastructure, administrative and instructional support costs, and the financial impact on nonveteran/legacy students. Analyze and report any effect changes to this program would have for veterans and their families. Review current data systems related to this exemption and recommend improvements to ensure quality and accuracy of information. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Defense & Veterans’ Affairs)
6.	Review educational opportunities for non-traditional students, including adult learners who did not complete a secondary education credential. Recommend possible funding options to promote degree, credential, and/or certification completion. Develop recommendations to promote programs that simultaneously allow adult learners to complete degrees, credentials, and/or certifications for the purpose of promoting and increasing workforce ready graduates.
7.	Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 84th Legislature, including HB 700, SB 18, HB 100, and the new higher education strategic plan for Texas as proposed by the Higher Education Coordinating Board, 60x30TX. In conducting this oversight, the committee should: a. consider any reforms to state agencies to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens; b. identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate; c. determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and d. identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs.
Committee:	House Higher Education
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Advanced Placement programs | Capital construction assistance projects | Distance education | Foster care | Higher education affordability | Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas | Student aid | Student loans | Toward EXcellence, Access & Success Grant Program | University finance |
Library Call Number:	L1836.83 Ed84hh
Session:	83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version:	View report [47 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the potential of recent technology-enabled innovations for dramatically increasing the number and diversity of students who may access, participate and succeed in quality higher education, including Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), Synchronous Massive Online Courses (SMOCs), blended courses that combine online and classroom instruction, and other innovations with potential to personalize the learning experience, reduce costs, and transcend the physical limitations of traditional campuses. Consider challenges and opportunities for leveraging new technologies to increase the educational attainment of traditionally underserved populations including adult learners.
2.	Study new strategies for funding General Academic institutions to accelerate educational innovation and increase focus on improving student learning and success rather than seat time. Consider approaches that encourage new and more productive business models that incorporate affordable, lower-cost academic delivery models and expand the state's capacity to deliver high-quality education.
3.	Study how state resources might be better used to support the success of the rapidly growing numbers of state residents who need postsecondary degrees. Evaluate current programs and policies related to financial aid, tuition assistance, waivers, and work study, and evaluate their relative impact and return on investment with regard to student enrollment, persistence, and completion. Consider how state dollars might be better used in combination with federal financial aid to promote and accelerate student success. Explore strategies and best practices for reducing student loan default rates in Texas.
4.	Former foster youth have the benefit of free tuition and fees if they enroll in higher education, yet very few take advantage of this opportunity. Consider new strategies to support these youth and make recommendations to enroll and retain more foster youth in higher education. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Human Services
5.	Review current capital needs in higher education. The committees shall examine past methods of financing higher education's capital needs, as well as approaches used in other states. The committees shall jointly make recommendations to address these costs in the future. In adopting recommendations, the committees should focus on methodologies that identify priority capital projects, treat institutions of higher education equitably, and uniformly share costs between the state and institutions. The committees should also examine the viability of alternatives to traditional models for funding capital projects. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Appropriations)
6.	Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 83rd Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee should: a. consider any reforms to state agencies to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens; b. identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate; c. determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and d. identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs.
Committee:	Senate Higher Education
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report / Senate Higher Education Committee.
Subjects:	Automatic admissions | Community colleges | Developmental education | Distance education | Dual credit high school programs | Educational technology | Flagship universities | Higher education accountability | Higher education affordability | Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas | Job training programs | Student aid | Student transfers | Texas B-on-Time loans | Toward EXcellence, Access & Success Grant Program | Tuition | University finance | University student transfers |
Library Call Number:	L1836.81 Ed83h
Session:	81st R.S. (2009)
Online version:	View report [145 pages  File size: 1,161 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study and make recommendations regarding more cost-effective funding of financial aid, including ways to restructure financial aid programs to promote student success and the efficacy of the current $365 million in current exemptions and waivers offered to students at institutions of higher education. Examine the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and determine the impact on eligibility for existing Texas financial aid programs and on data availability resulting from the simplification. Include recommendations on how to expand the TEXAS Grant and B-on-Time programs.
2.	Review community college service areas to ensure that student needs are being met in the most effective and efficient manner. Study and make recommendations to improve the productivity and cost-effectiveness of the community college/university model for producing baccalaureate degrees, including identifying proven best practices; analyzing success rates of similar cohorts of students by comparing those who begin at community colleges with those who begin at four-year institutions; and analyzing transfer issues including dual admissions programs and academic advising services to facilitate a seamless transfer from two-year to four-year institutions. Include an assessment of the role of technical and vocational training programs and their impact on jobs.
3.	Study and make recommendations regarding improving developmental education, which costs the state over $100 million per year, with a focus on enhancing student success in these courses.
4.	Study and make recommendations regarding the current accountability system and ways to measure student progress, faculty workload, and student advising; and to improve time-to-degree. Examine the quality of academic advising services to ensure that students are taking courses relevant to their degree program and are on path for graduation. Study and make recommendations to eliminate unnecessary or duplicative reporting requirements.
5.	Examine cost drivers in higher education. Recommend opportunities for achieving cost efficiencies including reporting requirements, three-year degree programs, and community college baccalaureate degree programs. Study and make recommendations regarding more effective means of using technology, including digital textbooks and online degree programs, to improve access, enhance quality, and reduce the cost of higher education while preserving excellence.
6.	Review the structure and operation of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Evaluate the board's data collection systems, including costs to higher education institutions, and make recommendations for improvements. Include an assessment of higher education reporting requirements and make recommendations to eliminate duplicate requirements and streamline reporting.
7.	Review endowed funds at institutions of higher education to ensure compliance with all state laws and, in particular, the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act. Study and make recommendations for requiring all institutions of higher education to report annually to donors on the use of gifts and endowed funds. Review state laws to determine if they provide adequate oversight of these funds. Study the manner in which scholarship and other funds are given and bequeathed to institutions of higher education and make recommendations for ensuring that donors' wishes are honored while institutions are allowed appropriate flexibility with the use of the funds.
8.	Review dual credit courses, including the cost of delivery, funding mechanisms, and possibility of a statewide dual credit system. This review should also include an examination of the rigor, quality and consistency of dual credit courses. (Joint charge with Senate Education Committee)
9.	Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Higher Education, 81 st Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance and/or complete implementation. Specifically, focus the following, as well as tuition legislation: HB 51 relating to emerging research Tier 1 universities; SB 175 relating to top ten percent.
Committee:	Senate Finance Subcommittee on Higher Education
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report
Subjects:	Flagship universities | Higher education | Higher education affordability | Student aid | Texas A&M University | Texas B-on-Time loans | Toward EXcellence, Access & Success Grant Program | Tuition deregulation | University finance | University of Texas at Austin |
Library Call Number:	L1836.80 F49he
Session:	80th R.S. (2007)
Online version:	View report [81 pages  File size: 1,469 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Review and make recommendations regarding the structure and organization of higher education, focusing on funding of the current higher education system, including financing capital projects for general academic institutions and for health-related institutions and changes to funding flagship research universities such as The University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M at College Station. Determine the adequacy of formula funding to support basic functions as well as supporting critical statewide needs and improvements on the various methods of funding research. Reviews should include institutional structures that maximize efficiencies and incentive structures that increase the number of graduates. A review of funding formulas should also include the application of proportionality of state contributions for higher education employee health benefits.
2.	Review state student financial aid programs (TEXAS Grants, B-on-Time) and provide assessment of the programs' effectiveness and future funding needs.
3.	Study the effects continued tuition deregulation will have on college enrollment and accessibility.
Committee:	Senate Education Subcommittee on Higher Education
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report
Subjects:	Automatic admissions | Distance education | Higher education affordability | Minority students | Student fees | Teacher quality | Teacher training | Tuition deregulation | University admissions | University finance |
Library Call Number:	L1836.79 Ed83h
Session:	79th R.S. (2005)
Online version:	View report [601 pages  File size: 65,535 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the impact and costs associated with distance learning on traditional higher education.
2.	Study the cost of education at public institutions of higher education, specifically, tuition de-regulation and student fees. The committee should also review current tuition and fee exemptions and make recommendations for improving student access to education.
3.	Study what impact any changes to the percentage requirement of the Top 10% Law could have on students currently in the educational pipeline, discuss developing a uniform transcript and a standard methodology for calculating GPAs, and make recommendations for relating to the application of the Top 10% Law, including to children of Texas residents in the military.
4.	Monitor the progress of the Closing the Gaps goals and recommend any legislative action needed to ensure we stay on target to meet the goals by 2015.
5.	Study the relationship of College of Education coursework on teacher effectiveness and student performance. Examine the State's role in the accountability of these teacher preparation programs in delivering the most effective instruction strategies recommended or validated by scientifically-based research, particularly in the area of reading. Examine past and current studies linking teacher preparedness with student performance and identify any barriers to conducting such research. Make recommendations for legislative changes to improve programs.
6.	Monitor changes made during the 79th R.S., to adjust higher education funding formulas by adopting a cost-based formula matrix. Make recommendations for continuing improvements. Joint Charge with Senate Finance Committee.
Committee:	Senate Education Subcommittee on Higher Education
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Report to the 79th Legislature
Subjects:	Affirmative action | Automatic admissions | Community colleges | Developmental education | Flagship universities | Higher education accountability | Higher education affordability | Medical education | Student aid | Texas B-on-Time loans | Tuition deregulation | University admissions | University finance |
Library Call Number:	L1836.78 Ed83h
Session:	78th R.S. (2003)
Online version:	View report [259 pages  File size: 4,127 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the impact of admissions policies on enrollment in Texas public institutions and make recommendations for improving the admissions procedures, as necessary. The study should include, but not be limited to, a review of recent court decisions on college admissions policies, and an evaluation of the impact of the "Top 10%" law on college admissions.
2.	Study and make recommendations on the proper role, scope, and mission of community colleges. Develop innovative approaches to incorporating the community college system into the delivery of K through 16 education. Study the feasibility of allowing community college districts to expand their service areas for taxing purposes.
3.	Study developmental education programs in public higher education institutions. Identify alternative means of assessing the need for developmental education, the effectiveness of delivery of developmental education programs, and the appropriate role of developmental education.
4.	Study and make recommendations to modify the student financial assistance programs to provide better incentives for students to graduate on time with better grades, such as the B-On-Time program and work-study programs, and to simplify the application process for financial aid programs.
5.	Review and make recommendations relating to the adequacy of funding for graduate medical education, including funding required for professors, facilities, research programs and students. Review and make recommendations relating to increasing the number of health professionals.
6.	Joint interim charge with the Senate Finance Committee: Study and make recommendations relating to the development of a statewide accountability system for higher education that is consistent with funding strategies for higher education.
7.	Joint interim charge with the Senate Finance Committee: Study and make recommendations evaluating the cost of increasing the number of Tier 1 universities in Texas. Reexamine current and alternative methods of funding regional universities, community colleges, health science centers and their reimbursement for the provision of indigent health care, and universities.
8.	Joint interim charge with the Senate Finance Committee: Study the budgetary impact of legislation to deregulate tuition at institutions of higher education. This study should include, but not be limited to, a review of recent tuition increases authorized by this Act, their impact on affordability of higher education, and an evaluation of the expenditure of these funds.
Committee:	Senate Finance
Title:	Interim Report - Higher Education
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report of the Senate Finance Committee : recommendations to the 79th Legislature.
Subjects:	Capital construction assistance projects | Higher education affordability | Tuition | Tuition deregulation | University finance |
Library Call Number:	L1836.78 F49 v. 3
Session:	78th R.S. (2003)
Online version:	View report [157 pages  File size: 9,226 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Public & Higher Education Tuition Deregulation. Study the budgetary impact of legislation to deregulate tuition at institutions of higher education. This study should include, but not be limited to, a review of recent tuition increases authorized by this Act, their impact on affordability of higher education, and an evaluation of the expenditure of these funds. Tuition Revenue Bond Authorization. Review recent history and beneficiaries of TRB authorization by previous legislatures. Recommend procedures, criteria and priorities for potential new TRB authorizations and funding sources for the 79th Legislature. Nature and Use of Local Funds. Develop a representative sample profile of local funds at various types of agencies and institutions of higher education and report on amounts, revenue sources, expenditures, and how these funds impact the use of General Revenue appropriated in the General Appropriations Act. Funding for Higher Education. Study all funding of institutions of higher education in conjunction with the Senate Higher Education Subcommittee. Assess the cost and requirements of increasing the number of Tier 1 universities in Texas. Reexamine current and alternative methods for funding regional universities, health science centers and their reimbursement for the provision of indigent health care, community colleges, and universities. Accountability. Study and make recommendations, in conjunction with the Senate Higher Education Subcommittee, relating to the development of a statewide accountability system for higher education that is consistent with funding strategies for higher education. Public School Finance. Provide support for the Joint Select Committee on the revenue and property tax relief portion of public school finance. Also, examine ad valorem taxation in Texas, focusing on the establishment of growth caps and the impact of caps on local government finances.
Committee:	Joint Higher Education, Interim
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Report to the Legislature
Subjects:	Higher education | Higher education affordability |
Library Call Number:	L1836.78 H537
Session:	78th R.S. (2003)
Online version:	View report [273 pages  File size: 12,818 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	(a) An interim committee is established to study the organization, operations, and funding of higher education. The interim committee is composed of: (1) six members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; (2) six members of the senate appointed by the lieutenant governor; and (3) four public members appointed by the governor. (b) The membership of the committee must be representative of all geographic areas of the state. (c) The committee shall be cochaired by the chairs of the standing committee of each house of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over higher education. (d) The committee shall: (1) study the structure and organization of higher education in this state, including the administration and operations of public and independent institutions of higher education; and (2) study the equity and adequacy of higher education funding and its relationship to the purposes of higher education, including providing opportunities to students to achieve their educational goals, furthering knowledge through research, and providing direct services as local, regional, and state engines of economic development. (e) In its review, the committee shall examine the effects of student and community characteristics on the costs of higher education, including the income and education levels of the families of students, unemployment rates, population growth and other uncontrollable factors. (f) In its review, the committee shall identify the number and types of classified and unclassified positions in the administration of each university system and examine each major function, service or activity performed by university system offices, including: (1) central administration; (2) academic affairs coordination and support; (3) general counsel and other legal services; (4) budgeting, accounting, and data reporting; (5) fiscal management; (6) facilities planning and construction; (7) governmental relations; (8) audit services; (9) real estate management; (10) information technology services; and (11) aircraft operation and usage. (g) In its recommendations, the committee shall identify opportunities for legislative and administrative action relating to: (1) changes in the organization and operations of institutions of higher education that will improve opportunities for residents of all areas of the state to enroll in and complete programs of higher education; (2) changes in the funding of institutions of higher education and university systems to maximize the state's limited resources to meet the higher education needs of the state, including incentives for sharing arrangements to improve productivity; (3) accountability measures and performance incentives for institutions of higher education and university systems that are aligned with the purposes of higher education and that are sensitive to mission differentiation among institutions of higher education; (4) the consolidation or reorganization of university system office functions and services, including consolidation or reorganization of university systems to promote efficiency and productivity; and (5) potential reductions in personnel and other cost savings associated with the committee's recommendations. (h) The committee's recommendations under Subsection (g) of this section must include a plan for deregulating seminaries and similar institutions offering exclusively religious education or training. The plan must permit those institutions to confer or offer to confer religious degrees without accreditation and may include disclosure requirements and other appropriate safeguards to address potential fraud or deception. The requirements or safeguards may not authorize the state or a political subdivision of the state to assert regulatory authority over religious degree programs offered by those institutions.
Committee:	House Higher Education
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	House Committee on Higher Education, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 1998 : a report to the House of Representatives, 76th Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	Affirmative action | Automatic admissions | Cultural diversity | Distance education | Higher education | Higher education affordability | Hopwood lawsuit | Student aid | University admissions | University enrollment | University finance | University graduation rates | Virtual schools |
Library Call Number:	L1836.75 ed84h
Session:	75th R.S. (1997)
Online version:	View report [66 pages  File size: 2,311 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Review the effects of the Hopwood decision and the responses to the decision by institutions of higher learning, including professional schools. Monitor the implementation of HB 588, 75th R.S., and policies of the Higher Education Coordinating Board, and assess the impacts of such measures.
2.	Determine the adequacy of the plans of institutions of higher education and the Higher Education Coordination Board to accomplish projected enrollment increases over the next two decades. Determine the adequacy and cost effectiveness of the plans. Examine the contributions expected of non-traditional methods, such as reducing the number of years to degree, distance learning, and multi-institutional learning arrangements.
3.	Review the use of special funds in higher education, including funds for the "back-to-basics" initiative, to ensure that they are used effectively and appropriately. Evaluate the success of the recently implemented higher education funding formula.
4.	Study the trends in costs of a post-secondary education, financial aid, and family incomes; evaluate the effects on access to higher learning by persons of all socio-economic levels.
5.	Review the Western Governors' University initiative and assess its potential value for Texas institutions.
6.	Conduct active oversight of agencies under the committee's jurisdiction, including a review of the State Auditor's finding of material weakness in higher education administration of student financial aid programs.
Committee:	Senate Education
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	Senate Education Committee final report to the 75th Legislature.
Subjects:	Career and technical education | College preparedness | Elementary education | High technology | Higher education | Higher education affordability | Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas | Job training programs | Juvenile justice alternative education programs | Juvenile justice system | Legislative Budget Board, Texas | Medical education | School districts | School finance | Secondary education | Student aid | Tuition | University administrators | University enrollment | University faculty salaries | University research | Workforce Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number:	L1836.74 ed83
Session:	74th R.S. (1995)
Online version:	View report [57 pages  File size: 2,198 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Review the role of the Texas Legislature, Texas Higher Eduation Coordinating Board, and the university systems in making changes in the governance structure of universities and implementing academic/research programs.
2.	Monitor the implementation of SB 1, 74th R.S. with emphasis on the relationship established between the education and juvenile justice communities; the change in relationship between the state and independent school districts; the implementation of home-rule districts, and campus and program charter provisions; and the LBB studies on school funding special allotments and program weights.
3.	Review the affordability of higher education in Texas in light of potential cutbacks in Federal student financial assistance, increases in tuition and student services fees, and recent state-funded student assistance measures.
4.	Study higher education financial issues related to the projected increases in enrollment; faculty and administrator salaries; and support for research into emerging technologies and for medical schools.
5.	Review educational services and training provided to non-college bound students, and make recommendations on the appropriate educational institutions to ensure that these students acquire employment skills.
6.	Study the appropriate role of and relationships between the levels of education in Texas. Such relationships include elementary/secondary education and higher education, and two year and four-year institutions.
Committee:	Senate Finance
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim committee report of the Senate Finance Committee to the 75th Legislature.
Subjects:	Child care | Computer networks | Data management | Federal funds | Federal government | Higher education | Higher education affordability | Information Resources, Texas Department of | Medicaid | State budgets | Telecommunications infrastructure | Tuition | University budgets | University finance | Welfare | Welfare reform |
Library Call Number:	L1836.74 f49f
Session:	74th R.S. (1995)
Online version:	View report [272 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	To evaluate the impact on Texas government finance resulting from proposed changes in federal funding mechanisms and to make recommendations to implement changed funding mechanisms.
2.	To monitor implementation of tuition and student use fee increases, HB 815, 74th R.S. and HB 1792, 74th R.S., by higher education institutions. The Committee shall issue a report identifying the impacts and uses of tuition and student use fee increases.
3.	To evaluate use of emerging telecommunication infrastructure for efficiencies in collection and disbursement of state funds and to evaluate the impact of technology and its effect on the demand for state appropriations.
Committee:	House Higher Education
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	Committee on Higher Education, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 1996 : a report to the House of Representatives, 75th Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	College preparedness | Higher education | Higher education affordability | Lamar Institute of Technology | Northeast Texas Community College | Stephen F. Austin State University | Texas A&M University - Commerce | Texas A&M University - Texarkana | Texas Academic Skills Program | Texas Southern University | Texas State Technical College | Texas State University | Tuition | University budgets | University finance | University of Houston | University of North Texas at Denton | University of Texas at Arlington |
Library Call Number:	L1836.74 ed84
Session:	74th R.S. (1995)
Online version:	View report [28 pages  File size: 844 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Review the role of the Texas Legislature, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and the university systems in making changes in the governance structure of universities and implementing academic/research programs. Study the organization of the state's general academic teaching institutions and university systems. Assess the merits of the current governance structures and review advantages and disadvantages of suggested changes, including the consolidation, abolition or realignment of existing systems, or the creation of new systems.
2.	Review fees at Texas public institutions of higher education that may be administratively changed, without the approval of a majority student vote.
3.	Evaluate the effectiveness of the Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP) and its impact on students, including the educational impact and the cost effectiveness of the program from the points of view of both the students and the institutions.
4.	Review the training provided in evolving high-technology fields by the Texas State Technical College and the state's community colleges and the coordination between academic and technical subjects within community colleges.
5.	Conduct active oversight of agencies and institutions under the committee's jurisdiction, including, in particular, those institutions found by the State Auditor to be having management or financial difficulties..
Committee:	House Higher Education
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	Committee on Higher Education, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 1992 : a report to the House of Representatives, 73rd Legislature.
Subjects:	Grants | Higher education | Higher education affordability | Medical education | Nursing shortages | Physicians | Scholarships | Student aid | Student loans | Texas State Technical College | Tuition | University finance |
Library Call Number:	L1836.72 ed84h
Session:	72nd R.S. (1991)
Online version:	View report [34 pages  File size: 892 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Monitor and oversee legislation enacted during the 72nd Regular and Special Called Sessions that was considered by the Higher Education Committee; Performance Audit Review Recommendations; and any agency-initiated changes.
2.	Carry out budget and oversight responsibilities for all agencies, boards, and commissions listed in Rule 3, Section 15. A. Monitor and oversee documenation of salary increases. B. Verify the number and status of outcomes and outputs as identified in the Appropriations Bill (HB 1, 72nd Legislature, 1st Called Session). C. Review agencies' existing performance standards and determine whether new standards are needed.
3.	Study the levels of tuition and fees at institutions of higher education across the state and the causes and effects of their increase in recent years. Monitor and coordinate with the Joint Committee on Higher Education as it pertains to this subject.
4.	Study the increasing need for student financial aid in the forms of grants and loans.
5.	Identify the role, mission, and benefits of Texas State Technical College (TSTC) including its role of meeting the educational needs of the area it serves, future funding, and conflicts with junior colleges.
6.	Monitor and coordinate with the Joint Committee on Higher Education as it relates to formula funding and deferred maintenance at institutions of higher education.
7.	Study the enrollment at professional schools to determine supply, as it relates to the demand for all appropriate professions.
Committee:	Joint Higher Education, Select
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	Higher education in the new Texas : report of the Joint Select Committee on Higher Education to the 73rd Legislature, state of Texas.
Subjects:	Higher education | Higher education affordability | Medical education | Minority students | Nursing education | Nursing shortages | School dropouts | Tax system | University budgets | University enrollment | University faculty salaries | University finance | University graduation rates | Workforce |
Library Call Number:	L1836.72 ed84hmr
Session:	72nd R.S. (1991)
Online version:	View report [104 pages  File size: 4,500 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the purposes, performance, administrative methods, formula allocation system and the use of funds appropriated for higher education.
2.	Review the goals for higher education established in the master plan for higher education adopted by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and identify specific goals that the state must attain by the year 2000. The final report shall also contain recommended goals to be met on a biennial basis until the year 2000;
3.	Assess the performance of the Texas higher education system in accomplishing the following purposes, with particular attention to the comparable performance of states, regions, and nations with which Texas competes: 1. preparing an adequate number of well-informed citizens and qualified professionals, as measured by enrollment rates, retention rates, incidence of degrees and certificates granted, performance on state licensure examinations, and other appropriate measures; 2. preparing an adequate number and quality of professionals in various fields to ensure a competitive work force, with emphasis on the supply of professionals compared to the demand and projected need of such professionals in the future; 3. preparing an adequate number and quality of public school teachers and administrators to provide for an effective and efficient public primary and secondary school system; 4. providing access to higher education programs to all citizens, regardless of age or ethnicity; and 5. providing to organizations and individuals in Texas access to relevant research results and new ideas in support of a dynamic economy;
4.	Conduct an analysis comparing trends in funding per student, expenditure per student, administrative cost per student, and other relevant measures of comparison of the Texas higher education system and the systems of other states with which Texas competes
5.	Examine methods of projecting student enrollment and projections through the year 2000 for each sector of higher education.
6.	Review institutions' expenditures of funds and use of authority to set and collect fees.
7.	Examine methods for colleges and universities to share critical resources using cooperative degree programs, telecommunication access to libraries, computers, selected classes, and coordinated research programs.
8.	Examine means to reduce dropout rates and increase opportunities for students to achieve educational goals quickly and with a minimum of wasted effort;
Committee:	House Higher Education
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	To the speaker and members of the Texas House of Representatives, 68th Legislature : report / of the Committee on Higher Education of the Texas House of Representatives.
Subjects:	Community colleges | Distance education | Higher education | Higher education affordability | Tuition | University faculty | University faculty salaries | University finance |
Library Call Number:	L1836.67 ed73h
Session:	67th R.S. (1981)
Online version:	View report [125 pages  File size: 4,194 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Examine alternative tuition policies and recommendations to the current tuition charged by public institutions of higher education. In addition, make a statistical analysis of such costs in Texas as compared to those of other states.
2.	Conduct an overview investigation off campus instruction offered by public junior colleges and universities.
3.	Study the need for salary supplements for college and university presidents, faculty development, early retirement programs, and improved faculty salaries with emphasis on merit increases.
4.	Develop a clear definition of which revenues received by institutions of higher education should be deposited to the State Treasury. A determination of what constitutes local funds vs. state funds should be made.
Committee:	House Higher Education
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	To the speaker and members of the Texas House of Representatives, 66th Legislature : report of the / Committee on Higher Education of the House of Representatives.
Subjects:	Community college budgets | Community colleges | Higher education | Higher education affordability | Property taxes | Student aid | Student housing | Texas State Technical College | Tuition | Tuition Equalization Grants | University buildings | University finance |
Library Call Number:	L1836.65 ed83h
Session:	65th R.S. (1977)
Online version:	View report [49 pages  File size: 1,711 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Oversight responsibility of agency expenditures and related transactions. This function shall encompass a review and monitoring of all appropriations-related actions of those agencies assigned to this committee for appropriative purposes during the 65th Regular Session of the Legislature.
2.	Study of alternative means of aiding citizens of the State in obtaining a college education. This study should review possible alternatives to the Tuition Equalization Grant program, including voucher systems and offset grant programs and should include a review of the cost implications and educational significance thereof.
3.	A review of the financial necessity for and ramifications of allowing ad valorem tax funds available for higher education to be used for maintenance and renovation purposes as well as for new construction.
4.	A review of alternative methods for the funding of junior colleges in Texas, including recommendations for developing a long range plan for junior college financing.
5.	A study of the tuition policy of state institutions of higher education with regard to the realistic costs of education as compared to actual percentage paid as tuition. This study should include recommendations as to tuition paid not only by in-state students but by out-of-state and foreign students as well.
6.	A study of the desirability of terminating mandatory dormitory residency requirements for certain students of state institutions of higher education.
7.	Study the need to clarify the legal status of the Texas State Technical Institute. *
Supporting documents
Committee:	House Higher Education
Title:	Correspondence, Letter to Members of House Higher Education Committee from Judith Kay Wilson, February 22, 1977
Library Catalog Title:	Minutes
Library Call Number:	L1801.9 Ed84h 65
Session:	65th R.S. (1977)
Online version:	View document [14 pages]
Committee:	House Blanket Tax for UT Students, Investigate
Title:	Report
Library Catalog Title:	Report of Committee to Investigate Blanket Tax at University.
Subjects:	Higher education affordability | Student fees | University of Texas at Austin |
Library Call Number:	H.J. of Tex., 39th Leg., 1st C.S., 1310 (1926)
Session:	39th R.S. (1925)
Online version:	View report [7 pages  File size: 247 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Investigate whether or not the blanket tax instituted by the Board of Regents of the University of Texas should be compulsory for all students. *
Committee:	Joint Agricultural and Mechanical College at Bryan, Prairie View Normal School, and Sam Houston Normal School at Huntsville
Title:	Condition of the State Schools
Library Catalog Title:	[Report].
Subjects:	Higher education affordability | Prairie View A&M University | Sam Houston State University | Texas A&M University | Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets |
Library Call Number:	LRL
Session:	19th R.S. (1885)
Online version:	View report [17 pages  File size: 1,590 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Visit the Agricultural and Mechanical College and State Normal schools at Huntsville, at Prairie View Normal school, and report the condition of said schools to the respective branches of the Legislature.
Committee:	Joint Agricultural and Mechanical College and State Normal Schools, Visit
Title:	Report
Library Catalog Title:	[Report].
Subjects:	Higher education affordability | Prairie View A&M University | Texas A&M University |
Library Call Number:	H.J of Tex., 17th Leg., R.S. 152 (1881)
Session:	17th R.S. (1881)
Online version:	View report [13 pages  File size: 9,021 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Visit the Agricultural and Mechanical College and normal schools.

* This represents an abstract of the report contents. Charge text is incomplete or unavailable.

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