1. The state agency for public higher education. Maricela Oliva, Ph.D. Associate Vice Provost for Academic and Faculty Support September 2, 2015

2. * Agency created by Gov. John Connally in 1965 * TEA became two agencies--for K-12 and higher education * Role of both described in Texas Education Code (TEC) * THECB is covered in Chapter 61 of TEC: http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/ED/htm/ED.61.htm * THECB has both regulatory and advocacy responsibilities. * Agency board meets quarterly (January, April, July, October) * Public meetings are video streamed at: http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/apps/Events/ Chair Training 2015 2

3. * Education policy in US is a state function. * State agencies take different forms and roles. * Coordinating Boards are strong organizations * Academic program review and approval * Master planning * Fiscal management and budget approval * THECB undertakes the three functions. * Other states can be overseen by governing boards with narrower scope and less of a regulatory role. Chair Training 2015 3

4. * Quality – create and maintain it at all levels * Access – insure opportunities for access * Diversity – foster institution type diversity * Funding – seek adequate funding for sector * Management – promote good management * Leadership – support strong institutional and leadership Chair Training 2015 4

5. * Within systems, THECB: * insures the availability of diverse institution types with curricular program mixes that reflect institutional mission. * Monitors existing programs for quality and the adequacy of resources to offer them. * New programs must show they add something new to the state mix or address an unmet need, and are supported with sufficient new resources. * Individual institutions have a niche reflected in their mission and negotiated Table of Programs. Chair Training 2015 5

6. MISSION STATEMENT INSTITUTION: The University of Texas at San Antonio The University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions, and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property – for Texas, the nation and the world. Chair Training 2015 6

7. * For additional detail on the TOP for UTSA, see: http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/apps/top/ * THECB is most concerned today with program expansion at graduate and doctoral levels. Chair Training 2015 7

8. Common Reason #1 for department to need to interact with the THECB: * To request changes to your existing programs * Requests are not made directly, but through UTSA liaisons (Graduate School, University College, Deans’ Offices, etc.). * Before requests go to THECB, they must undergo review and approval within UTSA and the UT System. * For guidance on requesting changes to programs, see: http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/index.cfm?objectid=A0F9F7FA- 9A92-4F11-2756AD3BBFF01D60 * Some changes may be possible internally if they involve only changes to course descriptions, not the creation of new courses or programs. Chair Training 2015 8

9. Common Reason #2 for department to need to interact with the THECB: * To request a new program. * Requests are not made directly, but through UTSA liaisons (Graduate School, University College, Deans’ Offices, Provost, etc.). * Before requests go to THECB, they must undergo review and approval within UTSA and UT System. * For guidance on requesting new programs, see: http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/index.cfm?objectid=9B 93EB02-0FD4-6E46-E15D47A110934F05 Chair Training 2015 9

10. * In its oversight role, THECB pays attention to regional accrediting (SACS) regulations and policies. * E.g., course work offered off site or online requires SACS approval when exceeding 50%. From 25-49% of course work offered off-site or online, a letter of information/notice is typically sent to SACS. * If a program exceeds its authority with SACS or THECB, they can be more highly scrutinized. Negative scrutiny impacts the university as a whole. * Always communicate with and be guided by your UTSA THECB liaison about both curricular changes to programs and changes in the method of delivery. Chair Training 2015 10

11. * Graduate School for graduate programs. * University College for undergraduate programs. * Those involved before THECB review include: * Departmental faculty for program changes or additions * College Deans for both undergraduate and graduate programs * Dean Larry Williams for undergraduate programs * Dean Debrenna Agbenyiga for graduate programs * Graduate Council for graduate programs and certificates * Faculty Senate for undergraduate programs and to consider/ratify actions by the Graduate Council * Provost’s and President’s Office before forwarding to UT System for consideration. Chair Training 2015 11

12. Chair Training 2015 12 * For information on bills passed in 2015 and their implications on institutions of higher education or the THECB, see Summary of Higher Education Legislation (84 th Regular Session) on this web page: http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/

13. Questions? Maricela Oliva, Ph.D. Maricela.oliva@utsa.edu (210) 458-2700 Chair Training 2015 13