1. Preliminary Legislative Recommendations to the 85th Texas Legislature October 2015

2. Legislative Recommendations Development Timeline October 22, 2015: Discuss with the Board the preliminary legislative recommendations and initial stakeholder feedback October 2015 – March 2016: Continue to engage legislative, institutional, and other external stakeholders to solicit input. Identify modifications that will accomplish Board goals while accommodating stakeholder concerns December 16, 2015: Update CAAP on legislative recommendations January 21, 2015: Board discussion of draft recommendations March 30, 2015: Propose final legislative recommendations to CAAP April 28, 2016: Board adopts final legislative recommendations 2

3. Achieving the Goals of 60x30TX Through Coordinating Board Role and Responsibilities  Achieving the goals of 60x30TX will require clarity and consensus on the Coordinating Board role and specific responsibilities in regard to providing oversight, eliminating unnecessary duplication, and aligning institutional efforts with long-range goals.  Coordinating Board authorities are most effective when the procedures for enacting them are developed in collaboration with institutions of higher education and other stakeholders. 3

4. Achieving the Goals of 60x30TX Through Coordinating Board Role and Responsibilities Aligning Institutional Missions with 60x30TX Institutions will be the drivers in achieving 60x30TX goals. It is important that their mission and goals align with the statewide plan. Consider legislation to instruct institutions to include alignment with 60x30TX in developing their institutional missions and strategic plans. Off Campus Sites: Institutions offer instruction in a number of off-campus settings, including Multi-Institution Centers (MITCs), branch campuses and other sites. As new sites are being considered, it is important to define the Coordinating Board role in ensuring that such sites do not create unneeded duplication. Consider clarifying statutory definitions of MITCs, branch campuses and other sites. Consider clarifying the timeframe for agency review and approval of courses and programs at off-campus sites to ensure timely review. Consider developing a process for agency review of proposed off-campus facilities to flag potential duplication of existing facilities. 4

5. Achieving the Goals of 60x30TX Through Coordinating Board Role and Responsibilities Oversight of Career Schools and Colleges: Career colleges are an important component of 60x30TX goals for attainment and completion. Consider clarifying the agency’s authority regarding requiring compliance with accrediting bodies, federal financial rules, and state statutes and rules, and ability to revoke Certificates of Authority and Authorization for cause. Consider establishing the agency as the repository for student records of closed institutions. 5

6. Achieving the Goals of 60x30TX Through Student Financial Aid Programs TEXAS Grants and Texas Educational Opportunity Grants (TEOG): As the state’s primary grant programs for students at public universities (TEXAS Grant) and public 2-year institutions (TEOG), these programs will play an important role in meeting the attainment, completion and student debt goals of 60x30TX. Consider increasing the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) limit for these programs to accommodate more middle-income families, while simultaneously limit grant award amounts to the cost of tuition, fees, and books. Consider making grant recipients eligible for funding during summer sessions. TEXAS Grants Consider limiting grant recipients to 135 semester credit hours (down from 150 SCH currently) to incent timely completion and use savings to serve additional eligible students. 6

7. Achieving the Goals of 60x30TX Through Student Financial Aid Programs Texas Educational Opportunity Grants (TEOG): Consider expanding the number of SCH that a recipient enrolled in a community college baccalaureate program may receive the grant to 135 SCH (currently 75 SCH). Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG): Consider limiting eligibility to undergraduate students to assist with 60x30TX undergraduate debt goal. Work Study Mentorship Program Consider expanding the allowable use of funds to include student success programs such as tutoring and advising. Financial Aid Award Notifications Consider informing students of both maximum and a recommended amount on loan awards, so that they can make informed decisions about managing their debt. 7

8. Achieving the Goals of 60x30TX Through Higher Education Funding Policies Outcomes Based Funding: Providing a strong financial incentive for institutions to focus on helping students quickly earn their certificate or degree is critical to achieving the attainment and completion goals of 60x30TX. Consider implementing an outcomes-based funding model for public universities. The General Academic Institution Formula Advisory Committee (GAIFAC) is currently considering what model to propose to the 85 th Texas Legislature. Consider supporting funding for community college success points. The Community and Technical College Formula Advisory Committee (CTCFAC) is currently considering its recommendations. Course Restrictions on Returning Adult Students Helping adult students who wish to return and complete their education will assist with 60x30TX goals for attainment and completion. Consider waiving certain restrictions on funding SCH, such as the “three-peat” and “six-drop” rule, for a specific population of returning adults. 8

9. Additional Recommendations for Consideration Community College Baccalaureate Programs: Consider a measured, deliberative process for gradually expanding the authority for some community colleges to offer baccalaureate programs in the critical fields of nursing and applied sciences. Would assist with 60x30TX goals for attainment and completion. Prioritizing Graduate Medical Education Consider seeking direction from the Legislature that resources should be committed first to increasing the availability of residency positions before creating additional medical schools. Healthcare Workforce Study Consider a study of the healthcare workforce in Texas to better align resources with need. Statewide Preceptorship Program Consider updating statute to include family medicine. 9

10. Additional Recommendations for Consideration Early College High Schools (ECHS)/Dual Credit: Consider how to ensure that ECHS/Dual Credit provide college-level instruction. Common Admission Application Consider updating statute to expand advisory committee membership and reflect the systems’ current capabilities. Higher Education Assistance Plans Consider eliminating a duplicative section in statute that requires two different lists to be generated of low college-going high schools. 10