BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center C.S.S.B. 44
Committee Report (Substituted)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Evidence shows that undergraduate research programs are effective in improving student retention and graduation rates, increasing students' likelihood to pursue a doctoral degree, and increasing interest in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. By setting aside advanced research program funds specifically for undergraduates, the pool of potential graduate students will grow while providing enriching research experiences.
C.S.S.B. 44 requires that a portion of the advanced research program funds provided by Section 142.002, Education Code, be used to support and provide research opportunities for undergraduate students.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 142.002, Education Code, to include students in addition to faculty members as persons for whom the advanced research program (program) is established to encourage and provide support for basic research conducted in certain disciplines and subjects.
SECTION 2. Amends Section 142.003(c), Education Code, as follows:
(c) Requires that the guidelines and procedures developed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board provide for awards on a competitive, peer review basis for specific projects at eligible institutions and require that, as a condition of receiving an award, an eligible institution is required to use a portion of the award to support basic research conducted by undergraduate students in connection with the project for which the award is made.
SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2009.