Chapter 640 Oregon Laws 2011

AN ACT

HB 3418

Relating to higher education; and declaring an emergency.

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

SECTION 1. (1) The Task Force on Higher Education Student and Institutional Success is established, consisting of 17 members appointed as follows:

(a) The Governor shall appoint:

(A) One member from the State Board of Higher Education.

(B) One member from the board of a community college district in this state.

(C) Two members, each of whom is a faculty member of a state institution of higher education listed in ORS 352.002. One shall be a faculty member from the University of Oregon, Oregon State University or Portland State University, and one shall be a faculty member from one of the other state institutions of higher education listed in ORS 352.002.

(D) One member who is a faculty member of a community college in this state.

(E) Two members, each of whom is a student at a state institution of higher education listed in ORS 352.002. One shall be a student from the University of Oregon, Oregon State University or Portland State University, and one shall be a student from one of the other state institutions of higher education listed in ORS 352.002.

(F) One member who is a student at a community college in this state.

(G) One member who is a president of a state institution of higher education listed in ORS 352.002.

(H) One member who is a president of a community college in this state.

(I) Two members, each of whom is a representative of an Oregon-based business. At least one shall represent a small Oregon-based business.

(J) One member who is a nonfaculty staff member at a state institution of higher education listed in ORS 352.002.

(b) The President of the Senate shall appoint two members from among members of the Senate.

(c) The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint two members from among members of the House of Representatives.

(2) The task force shall, for higher education students and institutions in this state:

(a) Examine best practices and models for accomplishing student and institutional success, as such success is measured by achievement of the mission of higher education set forth in ORS 351.009 and the policy for community colleges set forth in ORS 341.009;

(b) Consider institutional and statutory barriers to student success and completion of programs;

(c) Examine methods for students to acquire basic skills and career preparation skills;

(d) Review alternative funding options for providing necessary services to students and promoting best practices for student success and completion; and

(e) Compare alternative funding options instituted in other states for improving student and institutional success.

(3) To accomplish the tasks set forth in subsection (2) of this section, the task force shall:

(a) Facilitate discussions with key higher education stakeholders at the institutional and board levels;

(b) Hold public hearings throughout this state to gain input on its tasks; and

(c) Review work done by previous committees and task forces in this state, as well as by relevant professional organizations and other states.

(4) A majority of the members of the task force constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.

(5) Official action by the task force requires the approval of a majority of the members of the task force.

(6) The task force shall elect one of its members to serve as chairperson.

(7) If there is a vacancy for any cause, the appointing authority shall make an appointment to become immediately effective.

(8) The task force shall meet at times and places specified by the call of the chairperson or of a majority of the members of the task force.

(9) The task force may adopt rules necessary for the operation of the task force.

(10)(a) The task force shall submit an initial report, and may include recommendations for legislation, to any interim legislative committees related to higher education no later than December 1, 2011.

(b) The task force shall submit a final report, and may include recommendations for legislation, to any interim committees related to higher education no later than October 15, 2012.

(c) The task force may submit periodic updates to any interim legislative committees related to higher education while completing its tasks and preparing its reports.

(11) The Joint Boards of Education, or any successor coordinating commission, shall provide staff support to the task force.

(12) Members of the task force are not entitled to compensation.

(13) All agencies of state government, as defined in ORS 174.111, are directed to assist the task force in the performance of its duties and, to the extent permitted by laws relating to confidentiality, to furnish such information and advice as the members of the task force consider necessary to perform their duties.

SECTION 2. Section 1 of this 2011 Act is repealed on the date of the convening of the 2013 regular session of the Legislative Assembly as specified in ORS 171.010.

SECTION 3. This 2011 Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, an emergency is declared to exist, and this 2011 Act takes effect on its passage.

Approved by the Governor July 20, 2011

Filed in the office of Secretary of State July 20, 2011

Effective date July 20, 2011

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