SS#2/SCS/SB 55 - This act aspires to rename Missouri Southern State College as Missouri Southern State University- Joplin.

SECTION 173.005 - This section articulates that the Coordinating Board for Higher Education may promote and encourage the development of cooperative agreements between Missouri institutions of higher education for the purpose of offering graduate degree programs on campuses of those institutions of higher education which do not otherwise offer graduate degrees. Any diploma awarded for graduate degrees under such a cooperative agreement shall include the names of both institutions inscribed thereon. The provisions of this section shall not be construed to invalidate the Coordinating Board's authority regarding new program approval.

SECTION 174.020 - This section renames Missouri Southern State College as Missouri Southern State University-Joplin. Additionally, this section specifies that any costs incurred with respect to modifications of the names of state colleges and universities shall not be paid from state funds.

SECTION 174.231 - This section designates Missouri Southern State University-Joplin as a statewide institution of international or global education. The section further asserts that Missouri Southern State University-Joplin shall discontinue, as of July 1, 2008, any and all associate degree programs unless the continuation of such associate degree programs is approved by the Coordinating Board.

SECTION 174.241 - This section eliminates the Board of Regents of Missouri Southern State College.

SECTION 174.324 - This section reemphasizes that any new masters degree program offered at Missouri Southern State University- Joplin or any other public institution of higher education in this state must be approved by the Coordinating Board for Higher Education pursuant to the provisions of to subdivisions (1) or (2) of Subsection 2 of Section 173.005, RSMo.

SECTION 174.450 - This section adds Missouri Southern State University-Joplin to the list of institutions which are charged with a statewide mission and governed by a Board of Governors.

This act contains the provisions of SB 56 (2003).

This act is similar to HB 1994 (2002) & SB 979 (2002).
DONALD THALHUBER