SB 854

Abstract

Changes composition of governing board for public universities. Adds organizations Governor must elicit recommendations from, or considerations Governor must make, prior to appointing members of governing board. Requires each member of governing board to have official electronic mail address that is publicly available. Requires governing board to make designated times available to present before board for faculty, nonfaculty staff and students and for organizations or unions affiliated with faculty, nonfaculty staff or students. Requires faculty member, nonfaculty staff member and enrolled student to be included in search committee for president of public university. Requires governing board to conduct comprehensive evaluation of president of public university at least once every two years. Prohibits secretary of governing board from also being member of administration of public university. Changes composition of Higher Education Coordinating Commission. Requires that any decision by public university to eliminate major program or minor program constitutes significant change that must be approved by commission. Requires commission to establish process to enable any employee or enrolled student of public university to appeal to commission any decision made by governing board. Declares emergency, effective on passage.