HB 515 - This act authorizes the Coordinating Board for Higher Education to review the missions and needs of state higher educational institutions, to assist institutions in applying for recognition of a statewide mission, and to determine whether such institutions qualify under the act for a statewide mission or additional resources. No statewide mission shall become effective until approved by the both houses of the General Assembly by concurrent resolution. The act establishes criteria which institutions must meet to qualify for statewide missions, including criteria for enrollment, programs, admission standards, academic emphasis, implementation plans and measures of student achievement and institutional attainment.

The act establishes the appointment of members, powers and duties of governing boards of institutions granted statewide missions pursuant to this act. Each board shall consist of ten total members, appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Seven voting members shall be appointed, four from the school's historic service region and three from the rest of the state, and three nonvoting members, two from outside the state and one student selected pursuant to the existing process for selection of student representatives to governing boards. The voting members shall serve six year terms, except that two initial members shall serve two year terms and two shall serve four year terms. The nonvoting members, other than the student member, shall serve six year terms, except that one initial member shall serve a three year term. The student member shall serve a two year term.

This act is similar to SB 340 from 1995.
OTTO FAJEN