MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Thursday, September 23, 2010

9:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.012

*****

Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.10 and 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Higher Education was held on Thursday, September 23, 2010, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

*****

MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Judith Zaffirini, Chair	None
Senator Joan Huffman, Vice Chair
Senator Brian Birdwell
Senator Robert Duncan
Senator Chris Harris
Senator Kirk Watson
Senator Royce West

*****

The chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The Chair invited Senator Kirk Watson to introduce his staff. Senator Kirk Watson recognized Edna Butts, Higher Education Policy Analyst.

The Chair made opening remarks and explained that the purpose of the hearing was to address interim charge five:

Interim Change Five: 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.

The following invited witnesses testified regarding cost drivers:

Overview. Provide an overview of cost drivers and efficiencies from a state/national perspective.

a. Raymund Paredes, PhD, Commissioner, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Panel 1. Examine cost drivers in higher education.

a. Jim Brunjes, Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer, Texas Tech University System

b. Carl Carlucci, PhD, Executive Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, University of Houston System

c. Johnette McKown, EdD, President, McLennan Community College

Panel 2. Recommend opportunities for achieving cost efficiencies.

a. Fred Heldenfels, Chair, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

b. Harrison Keller, PhD, Vice Provost for Higher Education Policy, The University of Texas at Austin

c. Wright Lassiter, EdD, Chancellor, Dallas County Community College District

Panel 3. These recommendations should also include reporting requirements, three-year degree programs, and community college baccalaureate degree programs.

a. Raymund Paredes, PhD, Commissioner, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

b. Don Noel Smith, PhD, President, University of Houston-Victoria

c. Millicent Valek, PhD, President, Brazosport College

Panel 4. 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.

a. Cheryl Sparks, EdD, President, Howard College

b. C. Sidney Burrus, PhD, William and Stephanie Sick Dean of Engineering (Interim), Maxfield and Oshman Professor Emeritus, Rice University

c. Melanie Ferrari, Student Body President, Texas State University

d. Celia Williamson, PhD, Deputy Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Studies, University of North Texas

The following witnesses provided oral public testimony:

a. Bruce Hilderbrand

b. Jonathan Abrams

c. Zane Jekot

There being no further business, at 1:24 p.m., Senator West moved that the Senate Higher Education Committee stand adjourned, sine die, for the 2010 interim. The motion was adopted by unanimous consent.

___________________________

Senator Judith Zaffirini, Chair

___________________________

Gonzalo Serrano, Clerk