Spring 2013 - 62840 - PA388K - Advanced Topics in Public Policy

Legislative Issues in Higher Education

Offered concurrently with the 83rd Texas Legislative Session, the course covers topics ranging from understanding the state policy-making and budgeting process for public higher education to exploring specific policy issues related to college access, equity, governance, financial aid, and diversity (among other issues).

The last legislative session was both historic and humbling for most Texas higher education policy issues. The state budget shortfall created a highly contentious policy environment for higher education, and there is no shortage of legislative activity to analyze and discuss for the upcoming session.

Guest speakers will be invited throughout the semester to share their insights and expertise concerning the session and the role of politics in the state higher education policy process. Students will attend legislative committee hearings and governing board committees that are relevant to higher education, and they will be expected to conduct policy analysis with regards to a specific higher education policy issues.