Committee Report

February 14, 2024

 

S. 538

 

Introduced by Senators Kimbrell, M. Johnson, Adams, Reichenbach, Rice, Verdin and Grooms

 

S. Printed 02/14/24--S.                                                                          [SEC 2/15/2024 1:50 PM]

Read the first time February 15, 2023

 

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The committee on Senate Education

To whom was referred a Bill (S. 538) to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 59-101-15 so as to limit tenure and to provide that institutions of higher learning must create a tenure, etc., respectfully

Report:

That they have duly and carefully considered the same, and recommend that the same do pass with amendment:

 

    Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by striking Section 59-101-15(A) and (B) and inserting:

    (A)  A public institution of higher learning in this State must establish a tenure review process for every tenured faculty member. The review process will be conducted in compliance with the institution's faculty guidelines, and will occur at least once every six years after the faculty member under review has gained tenure. The tenure review process must ensure that the faculty member has continued to meet the high standards for tenure that are outlined in the institution's faculty guidelines.

    (B)  The Commission on Higher Education shall:

    (1) ensure the compliance by each public institution of higher learning with the provisions of this section; and

    (2) annually collect information necessary to ensure that each public institution of higher learning complies with the provisions of this section.  The commission shall annually report this information to the Chairman of the Senate Education Committee and the Chairman of the House Education and Public Works Committee.

 

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

 

GREG HEMBREE for Committee.

 

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A bill

 

to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 59-101-15 so as to limit tenure and to provide that institutions of higher learning must create a tenure review process.

 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

 

SECTION 1.  Article 1, Chapter 101, Title 59 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

 

    Section 59-101-15. (A)  A public institution of higher learning in this State must establish a tenure review process for every tenured faculty member. The review process will be conducted by a tenure review board comprised of faculty members of the institution, as provided in the institution's faculty guidelines, and will occur once every five years after the faculty member under review has gained tenure. The tenure review process must ensure that the faculty member has continued to meet the high standards for tenure that are outlined in the institution's faculty guidelines.

    (B)  Public institutions of higher learning must submit their tenure review process to the Commission on Higher Learning for approval at the beginning of each academic year.

 

SECTION 2.  This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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