MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Monday, October 13, 2014

9:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.012

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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 Monday, October 13, 2014, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Kel Seliger, Chair	Senator Brian Birdwell
Senator Kirk Watson, Vice Chair	Senator Dan Patrick
Senator Judith Zaffirini	Senator Charles Perry
	Senator Royce West

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM. The following business was transacted:

The chair made opening remarks regarding the three interim charges before the Committee.

Examine and make recommendations regarding alignment between high school coursework and expectations in freshman level college coursework. Study the impact of particular coursework, specifically mathematics (including Algebra II) and science courses, as predictors of college readiness and success.

Review and make recommendations regarding the use of dual credit coursework and other secondary school programs for college credit, including the academic rigor of such programs and predictive value for college success.

Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Higher Education, 83rd Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following:

o SB 414, relating to a study and report regarding authorizing certain public junior colleges to offer baccalaureate degree programs to address regional workforce needs;

o SB 62, relating to the vaccination against bacterial meningitis of entering students at public and private or independent institutions of higher education;

o SB 28 (2011), relating to eligibility for a TEXAS grant and to administration of the TEXAS grant program; and

o HB 1244 (2011), relating to developmental education and the assessment of student readiness under the Texas Success Initiative and to students enrolled in developmental education at public institutions of higher education.

Senator Seliger then called invited testimony on all three interim charges (see attached witness list).

At 11:28 AM Senator Watson assumed the chair.

At 11:32 AM Senator Seliger resumed the chair.

Senator Ellis was present at the hearing.

At 12:10 PM Senator Watson assumed the chair.

At 12:19 PM Senator Seliger resumed the chair.

The chair opened public testimony on all three interim charges (see attached witness list).

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

There being no further business, at 2:29 PM Senator Seliger moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Kel Seliger, Chair

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Sarah Harrington, Clerk