BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center C.S.S.B. 1800
Committee Report (Substituted)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Currently, there is no formal assessment system for academic advisors at institutions of higher education. Because there is some anecdotal evidence regarding poor academic advising, it is important to develop an objective system that can fairly assess and evaluate academic advising. This legislation would provide the first step toward developing such a system.
C.S.S.B. 1800 relates to methods for increasing student success and degree completion at institutions of higher education.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, by adding Section 61.077, as follows:
Sec. 61.077. ACADEMIC ADVISING ASSESSMENT. (a) Requires the Texas Higher Education Coordination Board (THECB) to establish a method for assessing the quality and effectiveness of academic advising services available to students at each institution of higher education. Requires THECB, in establishing the method of assessment, to consult with representatives from institutions of higher education, including academic advisors and other professionals THECB considers appropriate.
(b) Requires that the method of assessment established under this section include the use of student surveys, and identify objective, quantifiable measures for determining the quality and effectiveness of academic advising services at an institution of higher education.
(c) Requires THECB, not later than September 1, 2010, to establish a method of assessment as required by this section. Provides that this subsection expires October 1, 2010.
SECTION 2. Amends Subchapter S, Chapter 61, Education, by adding Section 61.8221, as follows:
Sec. 61.8221. COURSE TRANSFER STUDY. (a) Requires THECB to establish and direct a committee of representatives from public and private two-year and four-year institutions of higher education and degree-granting career schools or colleges to study and make recommendations regarding the transferability of courses in the core curriculum between degree-granting career schools or colleges and public and private institutions of higher education. Requires THECB, not later than January 1, 2011, to report the recommendations to the chair of each standing committee of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over higher education.
(b) Provides that this section expires September 1, 2011.
SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2009.