2015 Legislative Update – Week 3
2015-16 Budget – Performance Funding The Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee discussed performance funding for the Utah System of Higher Education in several of its meetings. Key components of a basic framework have been identified, and legislation is anticipated to specify performance funding as a category in future USHE budget requests. If funding is provided implementation… Continue Reading 2015 Legislative Update – Week 3
The impact of a 2% budget cut
As part of the one-time budget reduction made by the Executive Appropriations Committee before the 2015 legislative session, all appropriations subcommittees were requested to identify a 2% cut to existing base budgets, including higher education. The stated intent is to “stress test” areas of the state budget to help inform budget priorities for the upcoming… Continue Reading The impact of a 2% budget cut
USHE response to 2014 legislative intent language
In 2014, the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee, and subsequently the State Legislature as a whole, adopted intent language for the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) to report on completion, transfer, job placement, cost and the transition from developmental to college-level math. Highlights from the report include: Graduation rates Completing a bachelor’s degree in 100% of time… Continue Reading USHE response to 2014 legislative intent language
Consider sending your state income tax refund directly to your UESP account
Want to pocket more money for college? While preparing your 2014 Utah state income tax returns, consider sending your state income tax refund directly to your Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP) account. Your refund will be applied equally among accounts owned by you and, if you file taxes jointly, your spouse. On the last page… Continue Reading Consider sending your state income tax refund directly to your UESP account
2015 Legislative Update – Week 2
There is additional legislation with potential impact to higher education. Much of the focus continues on the budget, and the Higher Educations Appropriations Subcommittee continues to meet this week. 2015-2016 Budget. Six USHE presidents gave excellent presentations to the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee (Presidents Wight and Huftalin presented previously). Their messages all provided relevant insights on… Continue Reading 2015 Legislative Update – Week 2
Improving counselor training in college and career readiness
February 2-6 has been declared School Counseling Week in Utah. “School counselors are actively committed to helping students explore their abilities, strengths, interests, and talents, as these traits relate to career awareness and development,” said Governor Herbert in a declaration. The Governor’s timing of this declaration not only coincides with national events recognizing the role of… Continue Reading Improving counselor training in college and career readiness
Legislative Update – Week 1
The 2015 Session of the Utah State Legislature got underway Monday, January 26, and will conclude Thursday, March 12. It is anticipated there will be several bills with potential impact to the Utah System of Higher Education, all of which will be carefully tracked by the Commissioner’s Office and institutions. 2015-2016 Budget According to the… Continue Reading Legislative Update – Week 1
Board of Regents Advance Performance Funding Proposal for 2015 Legislature
The Board of Regents approved a performance funding model as part of its 2015-16 legislative budget request. The USHE budget request includes support for employee compensation, student participation, distinctive mission, and performance funding, all of which serve to further the strategic directions of the Board of Regents—affordable participation, timely completion, and innovative discovery. Performance Funding… Continue Reading Board of Regents Advance Performance Funding Proposal for 2015 Legislature
Board of Regents updates its strategic directions and goals
To further define the Board of Regents proposed strategic directions and goals for 2015, the Board has approved three main goals to focus on to “to provide a high quality, efficient, and economical public system of higher education through centralized direction and master planning” (Utah Code Annotated, 53B-1-101). During the past several months the Board has held informal… Continue Reading Board of Regents updates its strategic directions and goals
USHE institutions set goals to increase college completion rates
Increasing the number of students who successfully complete college with a degree or certificate has been a top priority of the Board of Regents for nearly a decade, and it was reaffirmed with the Board’s new strategic objectives approved last week. In July 2013, the Board passed a college completion resolution, identifying five initiatives proven… Continue Reading USHE institutions set goals to increase college completion rates