A joint Resolution

 

TO CREATE THE "FUTURE OF HIGHER EDUCATION GOVERNANCE STUDY COMMITTEE," to PROVIDE FOR THE PURPOSES AND MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE, TO REQUIRE THE STUDY COMMITTEE TO REPORT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2027, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISSOLUTION OF THE STUDY COMMITTEE.

 

Whereas, the General Assembly previously established that the mission for higher education in South Carolina is to be a global leader in providing a coordinated, comprehensive system of excellence in education by providing instruction, research, and life-long learning opportunities which are focused on economic development and benefit the State; and

 

Whereas, the Commission on Higher Education was established with the authority and responsibility for providing a coordinated, efficient, and responsive higher education system in this State consistent with the missions of each type of institution.

 

Whereas, in order to foster the development of a coordinated system of higher education, to improve the quality of education provided by our institutions of higher education, to extend its benefits, and to encourage an economical use of the State's resources, the General Assembly finds it appropriate to create a study committee to consider whether the Commission on Higher Education is the most effective means for carrying out the mission for higher education in this State, or whether an alternative such as a statewide board of regents would be more advantageous. Now, therefore,

 

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

 

SECTION 1.  (A) There is created the Future of Higher Education Governance Committee to evaluate:

       (1) the Commission on Higher Education and its effectiveness in carrying out its legislatively mandated missions and goals and whether it is the most effective model for achieving optimal success in the public institutions of higher learning in this State; and

       (2) the advisability of creating a Board of Regents to coordinate all or most higher education governance statewide as an alternative to the Commission on Higher Education and individual boards of trustees.

    (B) The study committee is composed of:

       (1) one member appointed by the Speaker of the House;

       (2) one member appointed by the President of the Senate;

       (3) one member appointed by the Chairman of the House Education and Public Works Committee;

       (4) one member appointed by the Senate Education Committee;

       (5) one member appointed by the House Minority Leader;

       (6) one member appointed by the Senate Minority Leader; and

       (7) one member appointed by the Governor.

    (C) Members of the study committee shall serve without compensation, but are allowed the mileage, subsistence, and per diem allowed by law for members of state boards, committees, and commissions, to be paid equally from approved accounts of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

    (D) The study committee shall choose its officers and must be provided with clerical, administrative, and research services by the House of Representatives and the Senate.

    (E) The study committee shall make a report of its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly before January 1, 2027, at which time the study committee terminates.

 

SECTION 2.  This joint resolution takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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