TICUA Policy Update

April 22, 2005

Lottery Bills On the Move

Lottery bills are beginning to move through both Houses of the Tennessee General Assembly.  This past week the Senate Education Committee approved an omnibus bill (SB59) that would increase the base scholarship for four year colleges and universities from $3,000 to $4,000 and from $1,500 to $2,000 for two year colleges.

The House Higher Education Subcommittee heard testimony about the lottery bills and plans on rolling them into the companion House omnibus bill this next week.  It appears, however, that the House may not be as generous.  They may only allow for a $500 increase on the base scholarship programs.

Dr. Jim Noseworthy, president of Hiwassee College, testified before the Senate Education Committee and House Higher Education Subcommittee concerning the two year residential colleges.  He testified in support of a bill sponsored by Senator Randy McNally and Representative Russell Johnson that would allow those students attending a two residential college to receive the same base scholarships as those attending a four college or university.  The Senate Education Committee failed to recommend the bill and the House Higher Education Subcommittee is still taking it under consideration.

Governor’s Pre-K Program Passes Senate Education Committee

Governor Phil Bredesen’s pre-kindergarten program passed the Senate Education Committee.  The program will be funded by taking $25 million from the excess lottery revenue.  This brings the total funding to $35 million for the upcoming fall. 

The Education committee approved an amendment that would cap the amount of lottery revenue used at $25 million.  The program is expected to cost $150 million by 2010, but the Governor is committed to taking those additional funds from other sources.

Student Records Accessible To Parents

Senator Rosalind Kurita has sponsored a bill that would pilot a program to allow parents to have online access to their student’s records, including student affairs documentation.  The bill is designed to keep parents informed about the overall well-being of the students.  Senator Kurita expressed concern that parents are not notified when student gets in trouble with campus officials or have emotional breakdowns that may lead to suicidal tendencies.

 If passed, the program will be piloted at Middle Tennessee State University.  The online program, compliant with FERPA, would allow students and parents to sign a FERPA waiver that allows the parents access to electronic documentation of the student’s activity.  The student can opt out at anytime, but the parents would be notified of the decision.

The bill would impact both public and private colleges in Tennessee if the pilot program proves successful.  TICUA has expressed concern to Senator Kurita and will continue to work with her office in the coming weeks.

TSAC Executive Director Search Continues

The search committee for the Executive Director of the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation met numerous times this week to interview candidates for the position.  Interviews began on Tuesday and were completed by Thursday afternoon.  The committee continues to narrow down the candidate pool and hopes to make a recommendation to the full TSAC Board by month’s end.