1     
HIGHER EDUCATION GOVERNANCE AMENDMENTS

2     
2023 GENERAL SESSION

3     
STATE OF UTAH

4     
Chief Sponsor: Ann Millner

5     
House Sponsor: ____________

6     

7     LONG TITLE
8     General Description:
9          This bill amends provisions regarding governance of the state's system of higher
10     education.
11     Highlighted Provisions:
12          This bill:
13          ▸     defines terms;
14          ▸     removes an exception for public employment of a relative under certain
15     circumstances;
16          ▸     creates, within the University of Utah, the Office of the Commissioner of the Utah
17     System of Higher Education and the Utah Board of Higher Education for the
18     purposes of shared administrative services;
19          ▸     amends the membership and duties of the State Board of Higher Education (board);
20          ▸     amends the nominating and appointment process of members of the board;
21          ▸     amends the duties of the commissioner of higher education;
22          ▸     repeals requirements regarding the establishment of certain committees;
23          ▸     amends provisions regarding the employment, support, and evaluation of institution
24     of higher education presidents;
25          ▸     amends provisions regarding the approval of programs;
26          ▸     requires the board to engage in certain program and discipline reviews;
27          ▸     amends provisions regarding the set aside and reallocation of new performance

28     funding;
29          ▸     repeals obsolete provisions regarding past requirements; and
30          ▸     makes technical and conforming changes.
31     Money Appropriated in this Bill:
32          None
33     Other Special Clauses:
34          This bill provides revisor instructions.
35     Utah Code Sections Affected:
36     AMENDS:
37          52-3-1, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2018, Chapter 118
38          53B-1-101.5, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2020, Chapter 365
39          53B-1-401, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2022, Chapters 166, 177
40          53B-1-402, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2022, Chapters 166, 177
41          53B-1-403, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2020, Chapter 365
42          53B-1-404, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2022, Chapter 362
43          53B-1-408, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2021, Chapter 187
44          53B-1-501, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2020, Chapter 365 and last amended by
45     Coordination Clause, Laws of Utah 2020, Chapter 365
46          53B-2-102, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2021, Chapter 187
47          53B-2a-101, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2020, Chapters 152, 365
48          53B-2a-112, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2022, Chapter 421
49          53B-7-705, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2021, Chapter 351
50          53B-7-706, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2021, Chapter 351
51          53B-13a-102, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2022, Chapter 370
52          53B-13b-102, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2017, Chapter 143
53          53B-13c-101, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2021, Chapter 271
54          53B-16-101, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2021, Second Special Session, Chapter 1
55          53B-16-102, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2020, Chapter 365
56          53B-16-105, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2020, Chapter 365
57          53B-20-101, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1987, Chapter 167
58          67-1-12, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2017, Chapter 382

59     REPEALS:
60          53B-1-406, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2020, Chapter 365
61          53B-1-502, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2020, Chapter 365
62          53B-6-106, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2020, Chapter 365
63     

64     Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
65          Section 1. Section 52-3-1 is amended to read:
66          52-3-1. Employment of relatives and household members prohibited --
67     Exceptions.
68          (1) As used in this chapter:
69          (a) "Appointee" means an employee whose salary, wages, pay, or compensation is paid
70     from public funds.
71          (b) "Chief administrative officer" means the person who has ultimate responsibility for
72     the operation of the department or agency of the state or a political subdivision.
73          (c) "Household member" means a person who resides in the same residence as the
74     public officer.
75          (d) "Public officer" means a person who holds a position that is compensated by public
76     funds.
77          (e) "Relative" means a father, mother, husband, wife, son, daughter, sister, brother,
78     grandfather, grandmother, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, grandson, granddaughter, first cousin,
79     mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, son-in-law, or daughter-in-law.
80          (2) (a) A public officer may not employ, appoint, or vote for or recommend the
81     appointment of an appointee when the appointee will be directly supervised by a relative or
82     household member, unless:
83          (i) the appointee is eligible or qualified to be employed by a department or agency of
84     the state or a political subdivision of the state as a result of the appointee's compliance with
85     civil service or merit system laws or regulations;
86          (ii) the appointee will be compensated from funds designated for vocational training;
87          (iii) the appointee will be employed for a period of 12 weeks or less;
88          (iv) the appointee is a volunteer as defined by the employing entity; or
89          (v) the chief administrative officer determines that the appointee is the only or best

90     person available, qualified, or eligible for the position.
91          (b) A public officer may not directly supervise an appointee who is a relative or
92     household member of the public officer, unless:
93          (i) the appointee was appointed or employed before the public officer assumed the
94     public officer's supervisory position, if the appointee's appointment did not violate the
95     provisions of this chapter in effect at the time of the appointee's appointment;
96          (ii) the appointee is eligible or qualified to be employed by a department or agency of
97     the state or a political subdivision of the state as a result of the appointee's compliance with
98     civil service or merit system laws or regulations;
99          (iii) the appointee will be compensated from funds designated for vocational training;
100          (iv) the appointee will be employed for a period of 12 weeks or less;
101          (v) the appointee is a volunteer as defined by the employing entity;
102          (vi) the appointee is the only person available, qualified, or eligible for the position; or
103          (vii) the chief administrative officer determines that the public officer is the only
104     individual available or best qualified to perform supervisory functions for the appointee.
105          (c) When a public officer supervises a relative or household member under Subsection
106     (2)(b):
107          (i) the public officer shall immediately submit a complete written disclosure of the
108     public officer's relationship with the relative or household member:
109          (A) for a public officer subject to the requirements of Title 67, Chapter 16, Utah Public
110     Officers' and Employees' Ethics Act, in the same manner the public officer is required to make
111     a disclosure under Section 67-16-7;
112          (B) for a public officer subject to the requirements of Title 17, Chapter 16a, County
113     Officers and Employees Disclosure Act, in the same manner the public officer is required to
114     make a disclosure under Section 17-16a-6; and
115          (C) for a public officer subject to the requirements of Title 10, Chapter 3, Part 13,
116     Municipal Officers' and Employees' Ethics Act, in the same manner the public officer is
117     required to make a disclosure under Section 10-3-1306; and
118          (ii) the public officer may not evaluate the job performance of or recommend salary
119     increases for the relative or household member.
120          (d) A disclosure submitted under this Subsection (2) is public, and the person or entity

121     with which the public officer files the disclosure shall make the disclosure available for public
122     inspection.
123          (3) An appointee may not accept or retain employment if accepting or retaining
124     employment will place the appointee under the direct supervision of a relative or household
125     member unless:
126          (a) the relative or household member was appointed or employed before the appointee
127     assumed the appointee's position, if the appointment of the relative or household member did
128     not violate the provisions of this chapter in effect at the time of the appointment;
129          (b) the appointee was or is eligible or qualified to be employed by a department or
130     agency of the state or a political subdivision of the state as a result of the appointee's
131     compliance with civil service or merit system laws or regulations;
132          (c) the appointee is the only person available, qualified, or eligible for the position;
133          [(d) the appointee is compensated from funds designated for vocational training;]
134          [(e)] (d) the appointee is employed for a period of 12 weeks or less;
135          [(f)] (e) the appointee is a volunteer as defined by the employing entity; or
136          [(g)] (f) the chief administrative officer determines that the appointee's relative or
137     household member is the only individual available or qualified to supervise the appointee.
138          Section 2. Section 53B-1-101.5 is amended to read:
139          53B-1-101.5. Definitions.
140          As used in this title:
141          (1) (a) "Academic education" means an educational program that is offered by a
142     degree-granting institution.
143          (b) "Academic education" does not include technical education.
144          (2) "Board" means the Utah Board of Higher Education described in Section
145     53B-1-402.
146          (3) "Career and technical education" means an educational program that:
147          (a) is designed to meet industry needs;
148          (b) leads to:
149          (i) a certificate; or
150          (ii) a degree; and
151          (c) may qualify for funding under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education

152     Improvement Act of 2006, 20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.
153          (4) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of higher education appointed in
154     accordance with Section 53B-1-408.
155          (5) "Degree-granting institution of higher education" or "degree-granting institution"
156     means an institution of higher education described in Subsection 53B-1-102(1)(a).
157          (6) "Institution board of trustees" means:
158          (a) an institution of higher education board of trustees described in Section 53B-2-103;
159     or
160          (b) a technical college board of trustees described in Section 53B-2a-108.
161          (7) "Technical college" means an institution of higher education described in
162     Subsection 53B-1-102(1)(b).
163          (8) (a) "Technical education" means career and technical education that:
164          (i) leads to [an institutional] a certificate; or
165          (ii) is short-term training.
166          (b) "Technical education" does not include general education.
167          Section 3. Section 53B-1-401 is amended to read:
168          53B-1-401. Definitions.
169          As used in this part:
170          (1) "Board" means the Utah Board of Higher Education described in Section
171     53B-1-402.
172          (2) "Institution of higher education" or "institution" means an institution of higher
173     education described in Section 53B-1-102.
174          (3) "Miscarriage" means the spontaneous or accidental loss of a fetus, regardless of
175     gestational age or the duration of the pregnancy.
176          [(4) "Nominating committee" means the committee described in Section 53B-1-406.]
177          Section 4. Section 53B-1-402 is amended to read:
178          53B-1-402. Establishment of board -- Powers, duties, and authority -- Reports.
179          (1) There is established [a] the Utah Board of Higher Education, formerly the State
180     Board of Regents, which:
181          [(a) beginning July 1, 2020, is renamed the Utah Board of Higher Education;]
182          [(b)] (a) is the governing board for the institutions of higher education;

183          [(c)] (b) controls, [manages, and supervises] oversees, and regulates the Utah system of
184     higher education; and
185          [(d)] (c) is a body politic and corporate with perpetual succession and with all rights,
186     immunities, and franchises necessary to function as a body politic and corporate.
187          (2) The board shall:
188          (a) establish and promote a state-level vision and goals for higher education that
189     emphasize data-driven retrospective and prospective system priorities, including:
190          (i) quality;
191          (ii) affordability;
192          (iii) access and equity;
193          (iv) completion;
194          (v) workforce alignment and preparation for high-quality jobs; and
195          (vi) economic growth;
196          (b) [establish] system policies and practices that advance the vision and goals;
197          (c) [establish] metrics to demonstrate and monitor:
198          (i) performance related to the goals; and
199          (ii) performance on measures of operational efficiency;
200          (d) collect and analyze data including economic data, demographic data, and data
201     related to the metrics;
202          (e) [coordinate] govern data quality and collection across institutions;
203          (f) establish, approve, and oversee each institution's mission and role in accordance
204     with Section 53B-16-101;
205          (g) assess an institution's performance in accomplishing the institution's mission and
206     role;
207          (h) participate in the establishment and review of programs of instruction in accordance
208     with Section 53B-16-102;
209          (i) perform the following duties related to an institution of higher education president,
210     including:
211          (i) appointing an institution of higher education president in accordance with Section
212     53B-2-102;
213          (ii) through the commissioner and the board's executive committee:

214          (A) providing support and guidance to an institution of higher education president; and
215          [(iii)] (B) evaluating an institution of higher education president based on institution
216     performance and progress toward systemwide priorities; [and]
217          [(iv)] (iii) setting the [compensation] terms of employment for an institution of higher
218     education president[;], including performance-based compensation, through an employment
219     contract or another method of establishing employment; and
220          (iv) establishing, through a public process, a statewide succession plan to develop
221     potential institution presidents from within the system;
222          (j) create and implement a strategic finance plan for higher education, including by:
223          (i) establishing comprehensive budget and finance priorities for academic education
224     and technical education;
225          (ii) allocating statewide resources to institutions;
226          (iii) setting tuition for each institution;
227          (iv) administering state financial aid programs;
228          (v) administering performance funding in accordance with Chapter 7, Part 7,
229     Performance Funding; and
230          (vi) developing a strategic capital facility plan and prioritization process in accordance
231     with Chapter 22, Part 2, Capital Developments, and Sections 53B-2a-117 and 53B-2a-118;
232          (k) create and annually report to the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee
233     on a seamless articulated education system for Utah students that responds to changing
234     demographics and workforce, including by:
235          (i) providing for statewide prior learning assessment, in accordance with Section
236     53B-16-110;
237          (ii) establishing and maintaining clear pathways for articulation and transfer, in
238     accordance with Section 53B-16-105;
239          (iii) establishing degree program requirement guidelines, including credit hour limits;
240          (iv) aligning general education requirements across degree-granting institutions;
241          (v) coordinating and incentivizing collaboration and partnerships between institutions
242     in delivering programs;
243          (vi) coordinating distance delivery of programs; [and]
244          (vii) coordinating work-based learning; and

245          (viii) emphasizing the system priorities and metrics described in Subsections (2)(a) and
246     (c);
247          (l) coordinate with the public education system:
248          (i) regarding public education programs that provide postsecondary credit or
249     certificates; and
250          (ii) to ensure that an institution of higher education providing technical education
251     serves secondary students in the public education system;
252          (m) delegate to an institution board of trustees certain duties related to institution
253     governance including:
254          (i) guidance and support for the institution president;
255          (ii) effective administration;
256          (iii) the institution's responsibility for contributing to progress toward achieving
257     systemwide goals; and
258          (iv) other responsibilities determined by the board;
259          (n) delegate to an institution of higher education president management of the
260     institution of higher education;
261          (o) consult with an institution of higher education board of trustees or institution of
262     higher education president before acting on matters pertaining to the institution of higher
263     education;
264          (p) maximize efficiency throughout the Utah system of higher education by identifying
265     and establishing shared administrative services[;], beginning with:
266          (i) commercialization;
267          (ii) services for compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20
268     U.S.C. Sec. 1681 et seq.;
269          (iii) information technology services; and
270          (iv) human resources, payroll, and benefits administration;
271          (q) develop strategies for providing higher education, including career and technical
272     education, in rural areas;
273          (r) manage and facilitate a process for initiating, prioritizing, and implementing
274     education reform initiatives, beginning with common applications and direct admissions; and
275          (s) provide ongoing quality review of [institutions] programs.

276          (3) The board shall submit an annual report of the board's activities and performance
277     against the board's goals and metrics to:
278          (a) the Education Interim Committee;
279          (b) the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee;
280          (c) the governor; and
281          (d) each institution of higher education.
282          (4) The board shall prepare and submit an annual report detailing the board's progress
283     and recommendations on workforce related issues, including career and technical education, to
284     the governor and to the Legislature's Education Interim Committee by October 31 of each year,
285     including information detailing:
286          (a) how institutions of higher education are meeting the career and technical education
287     needs of secondary students [are being met by institutions of higher education];
288          (b) how the system provides an emphasis on high demand, high wage, and high skill
289     jobs in business and industry [is being provided];
290          (c) performance outcomes, including:
291          (i) entered employment;
292          (ii) job retention; and
293          (iii) earnings;
294          (d) an analysis of workforce needs and efforts to meet workforce needs; and
295          (e) student tuition and fees.
296          (5) The board may modify the name of an institution of higher education to reflect the
297     role and general course of study of the institution.
298          (6) The board may not take action relating to merging a technical college with another
299     institution of higher education without legislative approval.
300          (7) This section does not affect the power and authority vested in the State Board of
301     Education to apply for, accept, and manage federal appropriations for the establishment and
302     maintenance of career and technical education.
303          (8) The board shall ensure that any training or certification that an employee of the
304     higher education system is required to complete under this title or by board rule complies with
305     Title 63G, Chapter 22, State Training and Certification Requirements.
306          (9) The board shall adopt a policy requiring institutions to provide at least three work

307     days of paid bereavement leave for an employee:
308          (a) following the end of the employee's pregnancy by way of miscarriage or stillbirth;
309     or
310          (b) following the end of another individual's pregnancy by way of a miscarriage or
311     stillbirth, if:
312          (i) the employee is the individual's spouse or partner;
313          (ii) (A) the employee is the individual's former spouse or partner; and
314          (B) the employee would have been a biological parent of a child born as a result of the
315     pregnancy;
316          (iii) the employee provides documentation to show that the individual intended for the
317     employee to be an adoptive parent, as that term is defined in Section 78B-6-103, of a child born
318     as a result of the pregnancy; or
319          (iv) under a valid gestational agreement in accordance with Title 78B, Chapter 15, Part
320     8, Gestational Agreement, the employee would have been a parent of a child born as a result of
321     the pregnancy.
322          Section 5. Section 53B-1-403 is amended to read:
323          53B-1-403. Committees.
324          [(1) The board shall form:]
325          [(a) a committee to focus on technical education; and]
326          [(b) a committee to focus on academic education. (2)] The board may form
327     committees [in addition to the committees described in Subsection (1)] to support the board in
328     fulfilling the board's duties.
329          Section 6. Section 53B-1-404 is amended to read:
330          53B-1-404. Membership of the board -- Student appointee -- Terms -- Oath --
331     Officers -- Committees -- Bylaws -- Meetings -- Quorum -- Vacancies -- Compensation --
332     Training.
333          (1) The board consists of [18] 10 residents of the state [appointed by] whom the
334     governor appoints with the advice and consent of the Senate, in accordance with Title 63G,
335     Chapter 24, Part 2, Vacancies, [as follows:] and this section.
336          [(a) subject to Subsections (2)(a), (3), and (6)(b)(ii), 16 members appointed from
337     among candidates presented to the governor by a nominating committee; and]

338          [(b) two student members appointed as described in Subsection (4).]
339          (2) (a) For an appointment of a member effective July 1, [2020] 2023, the governor
340     shall appoint the member in accordance with Section 53B-1-501.
341          (b) Unless [appointed by] the governor appoints an individual as described in Section
342     53B-1-501, the term of each individual who is a member of the State Board of [Regents on
343     May 12, 2020, expires on June 30, 2020] Higher Education on the effective date of this bill,
344     expires on June 30, 2023.
345          [(3) If the governor is not satisfied with a sufficient number of the candidates presented
346     by the nominating committee to make the required number of appointments, the governor may
347     request that the committee nominate additional candidates.]
348          [(4) (a) For the appointments described in Subsection (1)(b), the governor shall
349     appoint:]
350          [(i) one individual who is enrolled in a certificate program at a technical college at the
351     time of the appointment; and]
352          [(ii) one individual who:]
353          [(A) is a fully matriculated student enrolled in a degree-granting institution; and]
354          [(B) is not serving as a student body president at the time of the nomination.]
355          [(b) The governor shall select:]
356          [(i) an appointee described in Subsection (4)(a)(i) from among three nominees,
357     presented to the governor by a committee consisting of eight students, one from each technical
358     college, each of whom is recognized by the student's technical college; and]
359          [(ii) an appointee described in Subsection (4)(a)(ii) from among three nominees
360     presented to the governor by the student body presidents of degree-granting institutions.]
361          [(c) An appointee described in Subsection (4)(a) is not subject to the public comment
362     process described in Section 63G-24-204.]
363          [(5)] (3) (a) [All] The governor shall make all appointments to the board [shall be
364     made] on a nonpartisan basis.
365          (b) An individual may not serve simultaneously on the board and an institution board
366     of trustees.
367          (c) The governor shall ensure that one appointment to the board is a student member
368     whom, notwithstanding Subsection (1), the governor appoints without the advice and consent

369     of the Senate.
370          [(6)] (4) (a) (i) Except as provided in Subsection (6)(a)(ii) and Section 53B-1-501,
371     [members shall be appointed to] the governor shall appoint board members to six-year
372     staggered terms[, each of which begins] beginning on July 1 of the year of appointment.
373          (ii) [A member described in Subsection (1)(b) shall be appointed] The governor shall
374     appoint the student member described in Subsection (3)(c) to a one-year term.
375          (b) (i) A board member [described in Subsection (1)(a)] other than the student member
376     described in Subsection (3)(c) may serve up to two consecutive full terms.
377          [(ii) The governor may appoint a member described in Subsection (1)(a) to a second
378     consecutive full term without a recommendation from the nominating committee.]
379          [(iii)] (ii) [A] The student member described in Subsection [(1)(b)] (3)(c) may not
380     serve more than one full term.
381          [(c)] (5) [(i)] The governor may, after consulting with the president of the Senate,
382     remove a member for cause.
383          [(ii) The governor shall consult with the president of the Senate before removing a
384     member.]
385          [(7)] (6) (a) A board member shall take the official oath of office before entering upon
386     the duties of office.
387          (b) The [oath shall be filed] board shall file the oath described in Subsection (6)(a)
388     with the Division of Archives and Records Services.
389          [(8)] (7) The board shall elect a chair and vice chair from among the board's members
390     [who shall] to serve terms of two years and until [their] the board chooses and qualifies
391     successors [are chosen and qualified].
392          [(9)] (8) (a) The board shall appoint a secretary from the commissioner's staff to serve
393     at the board's discretion.
394          (b) The board's secretary is a full-time employee.
395          (c) The secretary shall record and maintain a record of all board meetings and perform
396     other duties as the board directs.
397          [(10)] (9) (a) The board may establish advisory committees, including a faculty and
398     staff advisory committee.
399          (b) [All] The board shall address all matters requiring board determination [shall be

400     addressed] in a properly convened meeting of the board or the board's executive committee.
401          [(11)] (10) (a) The board shall enact bylaws for the board's own government not
402     inconsistent with the constitution or the laws of this state.
403          (b) The board shall provide for an executive committee in the bylaws that:
404          (i) has the full authority of the board to act upon routine matters during the interim
405     between board meetings;
406          (ii) may not act on nonroutine matters except under extraordinary and emergency
407     circumstances; and
408          (iii) shall report to the board at the board's next meeting following an action undertaken
409     by the executive committee.
410          [(12)] (11) (a) The board shall meet regularly upon the board's own determination.
411          (b) The board may also meet, in full or executive session, at the request of the chair,
412     the commissioner, or at least five members of the board.
413          [(13) A quorum of the board is required to conduct the board's business and consists of
414     10 members.]
415          (12) The board may not conduct the board's business without the agreement of a
416     majority of the board.
417          [(14)] (13) (a) [A] The governor shall immediately fill a vacancy in the board occurring
418     before the expiration of a member's full term [shall be immediately filled through the
419     nomination process described in Section 53B-1-406 and in] in accordance with this section.
420          (b) An individual [appointed] whom the governor appoints under Subsection [(14)(a)]
421     (13)(a) serves for the remainder of the unexpired term.
422          [(15)] (14) (a) (i) Subject to Subsection [(15)(a)(ii)] (14)(a)(ii), a member shall receive
423     a daily salary for each calendar day that the member attends a board meeting that is the same as
424     the daily salary for a member of the Legislature described in Section 36-2-3.
425          (ii) A member may receive a salary for up to 10 calendar days per calendar year.
426          (b) A member may receive per diem and travel expenses in accordance with:
427          (i) Section 63A-3-106;
428          (ii) Section 63A-3-107; and
429          (iii) rules made by the Division of Finance pursuant to Sections 63A-3-106 and
430     63A-3-107.

431          [(16)] (15) The commissioner shall provide to each member:
432          (a) initial training when the member joins the board; and
433          (b) ongoing annual training.
434          [(17)] (16) A board member shall comply with the conflict of interest provisions
435     described in Title 63G, Chapter 24, Part 3, Conflicts of Interest.
436          Section 7. Section 53B-1-408 is amended to read:
437          53B-1-408. Appointment of commissioner of higher education -- Qualifications --
438     Associate commissioners -- Duties -- Office.
439          (1) (a) The board, upon approval from the governor and with the advice and consent of
440     the Senate, shall appoint a commissioner of higher education to serve at the board's pleasure as
441     the board's chief executive officer.
442          (b) The following may terminate the commissioner [may be terminated by]:
443          (i) the board; or
444          (ii) the governor, after consultation with the board.
445          (c) The board shall:
446          (i) set the salary of the commissioner;
447          (ii) subject to Subsection (3), prescribe the duties and functions of the commissioner;
448     and
449          (iii) select a commissioner on the basis of outstanding professional qualifications.
450          [(2) (a) The commissioner shall appoint, subject to approval by the board:]
451          [(i) an associate commissioner for academic education; and]
452          [(ii) an associate commissioner for technical education.]
453          [(b) (i)] (2) (a) The commissioner may appoint associate commissioners [in addition to
454     the associate commissioners described in Subsection (2)(a)].
455          [(ii)] (b) An [association] associate commissioner described in Subsection [(2)(b)(i)]
456     (2)(a) is not subject to the approval of the board.
457          (3) The commissioner is responsible to the board to:
458          (a) ensure [that] the proper execution of the policies, programs, and strategic plan of
459     the board [are properly executed];
460          (b) furnish information about the Utah system of higher education and make
461     recommendations regarding that information to the board;

462          (c) provide state-level leadership in any activity affecting an institution of higher
463     education; [and]
464          (d) in consultation with the board's executive committee and in accordance with
465     Subsection 53B-1-402(2), provide the evaluation of and support and guidance to an institution
466     of higher education president, including the provision of an executive coach for the president's
467     first year of service; and
468          [(d)] (e) perform other duties [assigned by] the board assigns in carrying out the board's
469     duties and responsibilities.
470          (4) (a) There is created, within the University of Utah, the Office of the Commissioner
471     of the Utah System of Higher Education and the Utah Board of Higher Education.
472          (b) The commissioner, the Office of the Commissioner of the Utah System of Higher
473     Education and the Utah Board of Higher Education, and the board shall share administrative
474     services with the University of Utah, as the board defines.
475          (c) Nothing in this Subsection (4) limits or reduces the independence of the
476     commissioner, the Office of the Commissioner of the Utah System of Higher Education and the
477     Utah Board of Higher Education, or the board in relation to statutory duties, including policy,
478     internal audits, oversight of presidents, and systemwide strategic planning and prioritization.
479          Section 8. Section 53B-1-501 is amended to read:
480          53B-1-501. Establishment of initial board membership in 2023.
481          (1) [(a)] The governor shall appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate,
482     individuals to the board, to ensure that beginning July 1, [2020] 2023, the board consists of [18
483     members, including:] 10 members with new terms in accordance with this section.
484          [(i) at least six individuals who were members of the State Board of Regents on May
485     12, 2020;]
486          [(ii) at least six individuals who were members of the Utah System of Technical
487     Colleges Board of Trustees on May 12, 2020; and]
488          [(iii) two student members appointed to the board in accordance with Section
489     53B-1-404.]
490          [(b) Before making an appointment described in Subsection (1)(a), the governor shall
491     consult:]
492          [(i) for an appointment described in Subsection (1)(a)(i), with State Board of Regents

493     leadership; and]
494          [(ii) for an appointment described in Subsection (1)(a)(ii), with Utah System of
495     Technical Colleges Board of Trustees leadership.]
496          (2) [(a)] Except for [an] the appointment of the student member described in
497     Subsection [(1)(a)(iii)] 53B-1-404(3)(c), the governor shall appoint [an] each individual to a
498     two-year, four-year, or six-year term to ensure that one-third of the members complete the
499     members' terms on June 30 of each [even] odd number year.
500          [(b) The governor may appoint an individual described in Subsection (1)(a) to a second
501     term without the individual being considered by the nominating committee described in
502     Section 53B-1-406 if, at the time of the individual's initial appointment to the board, the
503     individual:]
504          [(i) is serving the individual's first full term on the State Board of Regents or the Utah
505     System of Technical Colleges Board of Trustees; or]
506          [(ii) is not a member of the State Board of Regents or the Utah System of Technical
507     Colleges Board of Trustees.]
508          [(c) An appointment described in Subsection (2)(b) is for a six-year term.]
509          (3) Following the appointments described in this section, the governor shall fill a
510     vacancy on the board [shall be filled] in accordance with Section 53B-1-404.
511          (4) Notwithstanding Section 67-1-2, for an appointment described in this section:
512          (a) a majority of the president of the Senate, the Senate majority leader, and the Senate
513     minority leader may waive the 30-day requirement described in Subsection 67-1-2(1); and
514          (b) the Senate is not required to hold a confirmation hearing.
515          Section 9. Section 53B-2-102 is amended to read:
516          53B-2-102. Appointment of institution of higher education presidents.
517          (1) As used in this section:
518          (a) "Institution of higher education" means:
519          (i) a degree-granting institution; or
520          (ii) a technical college.
521          (b) "President" means the president of an institution of higher education.
522          (c) "Search committee" means a committee that selects finalists for a position as an
523     institution of higher education president.

524          (2) The board shall appoint a president for each institution of higher education.
525          (3) An institution of higher education president serves [at the pleasure of] in
526     accordance with the terms of employment that the board establishes as described in Section
527     53B-1-402.
528          (4) (a) (i) Except as provided in Subsection (4)(a)(ii), to appoint an institution of higher
529     education president, the board shall establish a search committee that includes representatives
530     of faculty, staff, students, the institution of higher education board of trustees, alumni, the
531     outgoing institution of higher education president's executive council or cabinet, and the board.
532          (ii) The board may delegate the authority to appoint the search committee described in
533     Subsection (4)(a)(i) to an institution of higher education board of trustees.
534          (iii) The commissioner shall provide staff support to a search committee.
535          (b) (i) Except as provided in Subsection (4)(b)(ii), a search committee shall be
536     cochaired by a member of the board and a member of the institution of higher education board
537     of trustees.
538          (ii) The board may delegate the authority to chair a search committee to the institution
539     of higher education board trustees.
540          (c) A search committee described in Subsection (4)(a) shall forward three to five
541     finalists to the board to consider for a position as an institution of higher education president.
542          (d) A search committee may not forward an individual to the board as a finalist unless
543     two-thirds of the search committee members, as verified by the commissioner, find the
544     individual to be qualified and likely to succeed as an institution of higher education president.
545          (5) (a) The board shall select an institution of higher education president from among
546     the finalists presented by a search committee.
547          (b) If the board is not satisfied with the finalists forwarded by a search committee, the
548     board may direct the search committee to resume the search process until the search committee
549     has forwarded three finalists with whom the board is satisfied.
550          (6) The board, through the commissioner, shall:
551          (a) create a comprehensive, active recruiting plan to ensure a strong, diverse pool of
552     potential candidates for institution of higher education presidents[.]; and
553          (b) review, in a closed executive session, the progress of the individual institution in
554     relation to the succession plan described in Section 53B-1-402.

555          (7) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (7)(b), a record or information gathered or
556     generated during the search process, including a candidate's application and the search
557     committee's deliberations, is confidential and is a protected record under Section 63G-2-305.
558          (b) Application materials for a publicly named finalist described in Subsection (5)(a)
559     are not protected records under Section 63G-2-305.
560          Section 10. Section 53B-2a-101 is amended to read:
561          53B-2a-101. Definitions.
562          As used in this chapter:
563          (1) "Capital development" means the same as capital development project, as defined
564     in Section 63A-5b-401.
565          (2) "Competency-based" means mastery of subject matter or skill level, as
566     demonstrated through business and industry approved standards and assessments, achieved
567     through participation in a hands-on learning environment, and which is tied to observable,
568     measurable performance objectives.
569          (3) "Dedicated project" means a capital development project for which state funds from
570     the Technical Colleges Capital Projects Fund created in Section 53B-2a-118 are requested or
571     used.
572          (4) "Nondedicated project" means a capital development project for which state funds
573     from a source other than the Technical Colleges Capital Projects Fund created in Section
574     53B-2a-118 are requested or used.
575          [(5) "Open-entry, open-exit" means:]
576          [(a) a method of instructional delivery that allows for flexible scheduling in response to
577     individual student needs or requirements and demonstrated competency when knowledge and
578     skills have been mastered;]
579          [(b) students have the flexibility to begin or end study at any time, progress through
580     course material at their own pace, and demonstrate competency when knowledge and skills
581     have been mastered; and]
582          [(c) if competency is demonstrated in a program of study, a credential, certificate, or
583     diploma may be awarded.]
584          [(6)] (5) "State funds" means the same as that term is defined in Section 63A-5b-401.
585          Section 11. Section 53B-2a-112 is amended to read:

586          53B-2a-112. Technical colleges -- Relationships with other public and higher
587     education institutions -- Agreements -- Priorities -- New capital facilities.
588          (1) As used in this section, "higher education institution" means:
589          (a) Utah State University for:
590          (i) Bridgerland Technical College;
591          (ii) Tooele Technical College; and
592          (iii) Uintah Basin Technical College;
593          (b) Weber State University for:
594          (i) Ogden-Weber Technical College; and
595          (ii) Davis Technical College;
596          (c) Utah Valley University for Mountainland Technical College;
597          (d) Southern Utah University for Southwest Technical College; and
598          (e) Utah Tech University for Dixie Technical College.
599          (2) A technical college may enter into agreements:
600          (a) with other higher education institutions to cultivate cooperative relationships; or
601          (b) with other public and higher education institutions to enhance career and technical
602     education within the technical college's region.
603          (3) Before a technical college develops new instructional facilities, the technical
604     college shall give priority to:
605          (a) maintaining the technical college's existing instructional facilities for both
606     secondary and adult students;
607          (b) coordinating with the president of the technical college's [higher education
608     institution] degree-granting partner and entering into any necessary agreements to provide
609     career and technical education to secondary and adult students that:
610          (i) maintain and support existing higher education career and technical education
611     programs; and
612          (ii) maximize the use of existing higher education facilities; and
613          (c) developing cooperative agreements with school districts, charter schools, other
614     higher education institutions, businesses, industries, and community and private agencies to
615     maximize the availability of career and technical education instructional facilities for both
616     secondary and adult students.

617          (4) (a) Before submitting a funding request pertaining to new capital facilities and land
618     purchases to the board, a technical college shall:
619          (i) ensure that all available instructional facilities are maximized in accordance with
620     Subsections (3)(a) through (c); and
621          (ii) coordinate the request with the president of the technical college's [higher
622     education institution] degree-granting partner, if applicable.
623          (b) The Division of Facilities Construction and Management shall make a finding that
624     the requirements of this section are met before the Division of Facilities Construction and
625     Management may consider a funding request from the board pertaining to new capital facilities
626     and land purchases for a technical college.
627          (c) A technical college may not construct, approve the construction of, plan for the
628     design or construction of, or consent to the construction of a career and technical education
629     facility without approval of the Legislature.
630          (5) Before acquiring new fiscal and administrative support structures, a technical
631     college shall:
632          (a) review the use of existing public or higher education administrative and accounting
633     systems, financial record systems, and student and financial aid systems for the delivery of
634     [career and technical] education in the region;
635          (b) determine the feasibility of using existing systems; and
636          (c) with the approval of the technical college board of trustees and the board, use the
637     existing systems.
638          Section 12. Section 53B-7-705 is amended to read:
639          53B-7-705. Determination of full new performance funding amount -- Role of
640     appropriations subcommittee -- Program review.
641          (1) In accordance with this section, and based on money deposited into the account, the
642     Legislature shall, as part of the higher education appropriations budget process, annually
643     determine the full new performance funding amount for each:
644          (a) degree-granting institution; and
645          (b) technical college.
646          (2) (a) Before January 1, 2024, the Legislature shall annually allocate:
647          (i) 90% of the money in the account to degree-granting institutions; and

648          (ii) 10% of the money in the account to technical colleges.
649          (b) After January 1, 2024, the Legislature shall annually allocate:
650          (i) 85% of the money in the account to degree-granting institutions; and
651          (ii) 15% of the money in the account to technical colleges.
652          (3) (a) The Legislature shall determine a degree-granting institution's full new
653     performance funding amount based on the degree-granting institution's prior year share of:
654          (i) full-time equivalent enrollment in all degree-granting institutions; and
655          (ii) the total state-funded appropriated budget for all degree-granting institutions.
656          (b) In determining a degree-granting institution's full new performance funding
657     amount, the Legislature shall give equal weight to the factors described in Subsections (3)(a)(i)
658     and (ii).
659          (4) (a) The Legislature shall determine a technical college's full new performance
660     funding amount based on the technical college's prior year share of:
661          (i) (A) before January 1, 2024, membership hours for all technical colleges; and
662          (B) after January 1, 2024, full-time equivalent enrollment for all technical colleges; and
663          (ii) the total state-funded appropriated budget for all technical colleges.
664          (b) In determining a technical college's full new performance funding amount, the
665     Legislature shall give equal weight to the factors described in Subsections (4)(a)(i) and (ii).
666          (5) Annually, at least 30 days before the first day of the legislative general session the
667     board shall submit a report to the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee on each
668     degree-granting institution's and each technical college's performance.
669          (6) (a) In accordance with this Subsection (6), and based on the report described in
670     Subsection (5), the Legislature shall determine for each degree-granting institution and each
671     technical college:
672          (i) the portion of the full new performance funding amount earned; and
673          (ii) the amount of new performance funding to recommend that the Legislature
674     appropriate, from the account, to the degree-granting institution or technical college.
675          (b) (i) This Subsection (6)(b) applies before January 1, 2024.
676          (ii) A degree-granting institution earns the full new performance funding amount if the
677     degree-granting institution has a positive change in performance of at least 1% compared to the
678     degree-granting institution's average performance over the previous five years.

679          (iii) A technical college earns the full new performance funding amount if the technical
680     college has a positive change in the technical college's performance of at least 5% compared to
681     the technical college's average performance over the previous five years.
682          (c) After January 1, 2024, a degree-granting institution or technical college earns the
683     full new performance funding amount if the degree-granting institution or technical college
684     meets the annual performance goals the board sets under Subsection 53B-7-706(1)(a)(ii).
685          (d) Before January 1, 2024, a degree-granting institution or technical college that has a
686     positive change in performance that is less than a change described in Subsection (6)(b) is
687     eligible to receive a prorated amount of the full new performance funding amount.
688          (e) Before January 1, 2024, a degree-granting or technical college that has a negative
689     change, or no change, in performance over a time period described in Subsection (6)(b) is not
690     eligible to receive new performance funding.
691          (f) After January 1, 2024, a degree-granting institution or technical college that does
692     not meet the goals the board sets under Subsection 53B-7-706(1)(a)(ii):
693          (i) is not eligible to receive the full new performance funding amount; and
694          (ii) is eligible to receive a prorated amount of the full new performance funding
695     amount for performance that is greater than zero as measured by the model the board
696     establishes under Subsection 53B-7-706(1)(a)(i)(B).
697          (g) [(i)] After January 1, 2024, if a degree-granting institution or technical college does
698     not earn the full new performance funding amount as described in Subsection (6)(c), the board
699     [shall]:
700          [(A)] (i) shall set aside the unearned new performance funding; and
701          [(B)] (ii) may, at the end of an annual performance goal period within a five-year
702     period for which the board sets goals under Subsection 53B-7-706(1)(a)(ii), [allocate]
703     reallocate the funds set aside under Subsection [(6)(g)(i)(A)] (6)(g)(i) to a degree-granting
704     institution or technical college that meets or exceeds the degree-granting institution's or
705     technical college's [five-year goals described in Subsection 53B-7-706(1)(a)(ii)(B)]:
706          (A) previous year's annual performance goal; and
707          (B) the performance goal that the institution previously failed to meet which caused the
708     funding set aside.
709          [(ii) The board may reallocate the funds described in Subsection (6)(g)(i)(A) on a

710     one-time basis to a degree-granting institution or technical college that exceeds the
711     degree-granting institution's or technical college's annual performance goals until the board
712     evaluates performance of five-year goals as described Subsection 53B-7-706(5).]
713          (7) An appropriation described in this section is ongoing.
714          (8) Notwithstanding Section 53B-7-703 and Subsections (6) and (7), the Legislature
715     may, by majority vote, appropriate or refrain from appropriating money for performance
716     funding as circumstances require in a particular year.
717          Section 13. Section 53B-7-706 is amended to read:
718          53B-7-706. Performance metrics for institutions -- Determination of
719     performance.
720          (1) (a) (i) (A) The board shall establish a model for determining a degree-granting
721     institution's performance.
722          (B) Beginning in March 2021, the board shall establish a model for determining a
723     degree-granting institution's or technical college's performance.
724          (ii) Beginning in May 2021, the board shall:
725          (A) set a five-year goal for the Utah System of Higher Education for each metric
726     described in Subsection (2)(a)(ii);
727          (B) adopt five-year goals for each degree-granting institution and technical college that
728     align with each goal described in Subsection (1)(a)(ii)(A); and
729          (C) ensure the goals the board adopts for each degree-granting institution and technical
730     college described in Subsection (1)(a)(ii)(B) are sufficiently rigorous to meet the goals
731     described in Subsection (1)(a)(ii)(A); and
732          (b) (i) The board shall submit a draft of the model described in this section to the
733     Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee and the governor for comments and
734     recommendations.
735          (ii) Beginning in 2021, and every five years thereafter, the board shall:
736          (A) submit the model described in Subsection (1)(a)(i) and the goals described in
737     Subsection (1)(a)(ii) to the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee and to the
738     governor for comments and recommendations; and
739          (B) consider the comments and recommendations described in Subsection
740     (1)(b)(ii)(A), and make any necessary changes to the model described in Subsection (1)(a)(i)

741     and the goals described in Subsection (1)(a)(ii).
742          (c) Beginning in 2021, and every five years thereafter, the Executive Appropriations
743     Committee, the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee, and the Education Interim
744     Committee shall prepare and jointly meet to consider legislation for introduction at the
745     following general legislative session to adopt the goals described in Subsection (1)(a)(ii).
746          (2) (a) (i) The model described in Subsection (1)(a)(i)(A) shall include metrics,
747     including:
748          (A) completion, measured by degrees and certificates awarded;
749          (B) completion by underserved students, measured by degrees and certificates awarded
750     to underserved students;
751          (C) responsiveness to workforce needs, measured by degrees and certificates awarded
752     in high market demand fields;
753          (D) institutional efficiency, measured by degrees and certificates awarded per full-time
754     equivalent student; and
755          (E) for a research university, research, measured by total research expenditures.
756          (ii) Beginning in 2021, the board shall set the goals and establish the performance
757     model described in Subsection (1)(a)(i)(B) for the following metrics:
758          (A) access;
759          (B) timely completion; and
760          (C) high-yield awards.
761          (b) (i) Subject to Subsection (2)(b)(ii), the board shall determine the relative weights of
762     the metrics described in Subsection (2)(a)(i).
763          (ii) The board shall assign the responsiveness to workforce needs metric described in
764     Subsection (2)(a)(i)(C) a weight of at least 25% when determining a degree-granting
765     institution's performance.
766          (c) Beginning in 2021, the board shall determine and establish in board policy, the
767     definitions, measures, and relative weights of the metrics described in Subsection (2)(a)(ii)
768     based on each degree-granting institution's and each technical college's mission.
769          (3) (a) For each degree-granting institution, the board shall annually determine the
770     degree-granting institution's:
771          (i) performance; and

772          (ii) change in performance compared to the degree-granting institution's average
773     performance over the previous five years.
774          (b) [Beginning in 2022, for] For each degree-granting institution and technical college,
775     the board shall annually:
776          (i) adopt annual performance goals for each metric described in Subsection (2)(a)(ii)
777     that will advance the degree-granting institution or technical college toward achievement of the
778     five-year goals described in Subsection (1)(a)(ii);
779          (ii) evaluate performance in meeting the goals described in Subsection (3)(b)(i); and
780          (iii) include a degree-granting institution's or technical college's performance under this
781     section in the evaluation described in Subsection [53B-1-402(2)(i)(iii)] 53B-1-402(2)(i).
782          (4) (a) The board shall use the model described in Subsection (1)(a)(i)(A) to make the
783     report described in Section 53B-7-705 for determining a degree-granting institution's
784     performance funding for a fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 2018, but before July 1,
785     2024.
786          (b) For a fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 2024, the board shall use the model
787     described in Subsection (1)(a)(i)(B) to make the report described in Section 53B-7-705 for
788     determining a degree-granting institution's or technical college's performance funding.
789          (5) At the end of each five-year period for which the board sets goals under Subsection
790     (1)(a)(ii):
791          (a) the board shall:
792          (i) review the Utah System of Higher Education's performance in meeting the goals the
793     board sets under Subsection (1)(a)(ii)(A);
794          (ii) review each degree-granting institution's and each technical college's performance
795     in meeting the goals the board sets under Subsection (1)(a)(ii)(B); and
796          (iii) allocate any funds not allocated under Subsection 53B-7-705(6)(g) to each
797     degree-granting institution and each technical college that meets or exceeds the goals the board
798     sets under Subsection (1)(a)(ii)(B); and
799          (b) the Legislature may appropriate additional funds for the board to allocate to each
800     degree-granting institution and each technical college that meets or exceeds goals as described
801     in Subsection (5)(a)(iii).
802          (6) In year two or three of each five-year period for which the board sets goals under

803     Subsection (1)(a)(ii), the following committees and the governor shall hold a joint open
804     meeting to review the goals the board sets under Subsection (1)(a)(ii):
805          (a) the Executive Appropriations Committee;
806          (b) the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee; and
807          (c) the Education Interim Committee.
808          Section 14. Section 53B-13a-102 is amended to read:
809          53B-13a-102. Definitions.
810          As used in this chapter:
811          (1) (a) "Cost of attendance" means the estimated costs associated with attending an
812     institution, as established by the institution in accordance with board policies.
813          (b) "Cost of attendance" includes costs payable to the institution, other direct
814     educational expenses, transportation, and living expenses while attending the institution.
815          (2) (a) "Eligible student" means a financially needy student who is:
816          (i) unconditionally admitted to and enrolled at a Utah postsecondary institution on at
817     least a half-time basis, as defined by the board, in an eligible postsecondary program leading to
818     a defined education or training objective, as defined by the board;
819          (ii) making satisfactory academic progress, as defined by the institution in published
820     policies or rules, toward an education or training objective; and
821          (iii) (A) a resident student under Section 53B-8-102 and rules of the board; or
822          (B) exempt from paying the nonresident portion of total tuition under Section
823     53B-8-106.
824          (b) "Eligible student" does not include a graduate student.
825          (3) "Financially needy student" means a student who demonstrates the financial
826     inability to meet all or a portion of the cost of attendance at an institution for any period of
827     attendance as defined by the board, after considering the student's expected family contribution.
828          (4) "Fiscal year" means the fiscal year of the state.
829          (5) "Partner award" means a financial award described in Section 53B-13a-106.
830          (6) "Program" means the Utah Promise Program.
831          (7) "Promise partner" means an employer that participates in the program described in
832     Section 53B-13a-106.
833          (8) "Utah postsecondary institution" or "institution" means:

834          (a) an institution of higher education listed in Section 53B-1-102; or
835          (b) a Utah private, nonprofit postsecondary institution that is accredited by [a regional]
836     an accrediting organization [recognized by the board] that the United States Department of
837     Education recognizes.
838          Section 15. Section 53B-13b-102 is amended to read:
839          53B-13b-102. Definitions.
840          As used in this chapter:
841          (1) "Federal program" means a veterans educational assistance program established in:
842          (a) United States Code, Title 10, Chapter 1606, Educational Assistance for Members of
843     the Selected Reserve;
844          (b) United States Code, Title 38, Chapter 30, All-Volunteer Force Educational
845     Assistance Program;
846          (c) United States Code, Title 38, Chapter 31, Training and Rehabilitation for Veterans
847     with Service-Connected Disabilities;
848          (d) United States Code, Title 38, Chapter 32, Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational
849     Assistance; or
850          (e) United States Code, Title 38, Chapter 33, Post-9/11 Educational Assistance.
851          (2) "Institution of higher education" or "institution" means:
852          (a) an institution of higher education listed in Subsection 53B-2-101(1); or
853          (b) a private, nonprofit, postsecondary institution located in Utah that is accredited by
854     [a recognized] an accrediting organization [recognized by] that the United States Department
855     of Education recognizes.
856          (3) "Program" means the Veterans Tuition Gap Program created in this chapter.
857          (4) (a) "Qualifying military veteran" means a veteran, as defined in Section 68-3-12.5,
858     who:
859          (i) is a resident student under Section 53B-8-102 and rules of the board;
860          (ii) is accepted into an institution and enrolled in a program leading to a bachelor's
861     degree;
862          (iii) (A) has exhausted the federal benefit under a federal program; or
863          (B) demonstrates that the veteran no longer qualifies to receive federal benefits under
864     any federal program; and

865          (iv) has not completed a bachelor's degree.
866          (b) "Qualifying military veteran" does not include a family member.
867          Section 16. Section 53B-13c-101 is amended to read:
868          53B-13c-101. Definitions.
869          As used in this chapter:
870          (1) (a) "Cost of attendance" means the estimated costs associated with taking an online
871     course, as established by an eligible institution in accordance with board policies.
872          (b) "Cost of attendance" includes tuition, costs payable to the eligible institution, and
873     other direct educational expenses related to taking an online course.
874          (2) "Eligible institution" means an institution that offers a postsecondary level course
875     of instruction using digital technology.
876          (3) "Eligible student" means a financially needy student who is:
877          (a) at least 26 years old;
878          (b) enrolled in an online course at an eligible institution;
879          (c) pursuing:
880          (i) an online postsecondary degree program in a field where there is a demonstrated
881     industry need; or
882          (ii) an online non-degree program that is designed to meet industry needs and leads to a
883     certificate or another recognized educational credential; and
884          (d) a resident student under Section 53B-8-102 and rules the board establishes.
885          (4) "Financially needy student" means a student who demonstrates the financial
886     inability to meet all or a portion of the cost of attendance at an eligible institution as defined by
887     the board, after utilizing family and personal resources, federal assistance, and scholarships.
888          (5) "Fiscal year" means the fiscal year of the state.
889          (6) "Institution" means:
890          (a) an institution described in Section 53B-1-102; or
891          (b) a Utah private, nonprofit postsecondary institution that is accredited by [a regional]
892     an accrediting organization that the [board] United States Department of Education recognizes.
893          (7) "Online course" means a postsecondary level course of instruction offered by an
894     eligible institution using digital technology.
895          (8) "Program" means the Adult Learners Grant Program established in Section

896     53B-13c-102.
897          (9) "Tuition" means tuition and fees at the rate charged for residents of the state.
898          Section 17. Section 53B-16-101 is amended to read:
899          53B-16-101. Establishment of institutional roles and general courses of study.
900          (1) Except as institutional roles are specifically assigned by the Legislature, the board:
901          (a) shall establish and define the roles of the various institutions of higher education;
902     and
903          (b) shall, within each institution of higher education's primary role, prescribe the
904     general course of study to be offered at the institution of higher education, including for:
905          (i) research universities, which provide undergraduate, graduate, and research programs
906     and include:
907          (A) the University of Utah; and
908          (B) Utah State University;
909          (ii) regional universities, which provide career and technical education, undergraduate
910     associate and baccalaureate programs, and select master's degree programs to fill regional
911     demands and include:
912          (A) Weber State University;
913          (B) Southern Utah University;
914          (C) Utah Tech University; and
915          (D) Utah Valley University;
916          (iii) comprehensive community colleges, which provide associate programs and
917     include:
918          (A) Salt Lake Community College; and
919          (B) Snow College; and
920          (iv) technical colleges and degree-granting institutions that provide technical
921     education, and include:
922          (A) each technical college; and
923          (B) the degree-granting institutions described in Section 53B-2a-201.
924          (2) (a) Except for the University of Utah, and subject to Subsection (2)(b), each
925     institution of higher education described in Subsections (1)(b)(i) through (iii) has career and
926     technical education included in the institution of higher education's primary role.

927          (b) The board shall determine the extent to which an institution described in
928     Subsection (2)(a) provides career and technical education within the institution's primary role.
929          (3) The board shall further clarify each institution of higher education's primary role by
930     clarifying:
931          (a) the level of program that the institution of higher education generally offers, in
932     accordance with Subsection 53B-16-102(3);
933          (b) broad fields that are within the institution of higher education's mission; and
934          (c) any special characteristics of the institution of higher education, such as being a
935     land grant university.
936          Section 18. Section 53B-16-102 is amended to read:
937          53B-16-102. Changes in curriculum -- Substantial alterations in institutional
938     operations -- Program approval -- Periodic review of programs -- Career and technical
939     education curriculum changes.
940          (1) As used in this section:
941          (a) "Institution of higher education" means an institution described in Section
942     53B-1-102.
943          (b) "Program of instruction" means a program of curriculum that leads to the
944     completion of a degree, diploma, certificate, or other credential.
945          (2) Under procedures and policies approved by the board and developed in consultation
946     with each institution of higher education, each institution of higher education may make such
947     changes in the institution of higher education's curriculum as necessary to better effectuate the
948     institution of higher education's primary role.
949          (3) The board shall establish criteria for whether an institution of higher education may
950     approve a new program of instruction, including criteria related to whether:
951          (a) the program of instruction meets identified workforce needs;
952          (b) the institution of higher education is maximizing collaboration with other
953     institutions of higher education to provide for efficiency in offering the program of instruction;
954          (c) the new program of instruction is within the institution of higher education's
955     mission and role; and
956          (d) the new program of instruction meets other criteria determined by the board.
957          (4) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (4)(b), without the approval of the board, an

958     institution of higher education may not:
959          (i) establish a branch, extension center, college, or professional school; or
960          (ii) establish a new program of instruction.
961          (b) An institution of higher education may, with the approval of the institution of
962     higher education's board of trustees, establish a new program of instruction that meets the
963     criteria described in Subsection (3), subject to board review for pathway articulation.
964          (5) (a) An institution of higher education shall notify the board of a proposed new
965     program of instruction, including how the proposed new program of instruction meets the
966     criteria described in Subsection (3).
967          (b) The board shall establish procedures and guidelines for institutional boards of
968     trustees to consider an institutional proposal for a new program of instruction described in
969     Subsection (4)(b).
970          (6) (a) The board shall conduct a periodic review of all new programs of instruction,
971     including those funded by gifts, grants, and contracts, no later than two years after the first
972     cohort to begin the program of instruction completes the program of instruction.
973          (b) The board may conduct a periodic review of any program of instruction at an
974     institution of higher education, including a program of instruction funded by a gift, grant, or
975     contract.
976          (c) The board shall conduct:
977          (i) at least once every seven years, at least one review described in Subsection (6)(b) of
978     each program of instruction at each institution; and
979          (ii) annually, a qualitative and quantitative review of academic disciplines across the
980     system, including enrollment, graduation rates, and workforce placement, ensuring that the
981     board conducts a review of all disciplines within the system at least once every seven years.
982          [(c)] (d) Following a review described in this Subsection (6) and after providing the
983     relevant institution of higher education an opportunity to respond to the board's review of a
984     given program of instruction, the board may [recommend that the institution of higher
985     education] modify, consolidate, or terminate the program of instruction.
986          [(7) Prior to requiring modification or termination of a program, the board shall give
987     the institution of higher education adequate opportunity for a hearing before the board.]
988          [(8)] (7) In making decisions related to career and technical education curriculum

989     changes, the board shall coordinate on behalf of the boards of trustees of higher education
990     institutions a review of the proposed changes by the State Board of Education to ensure an
991     orderly and systematic career and technical education curriculum that eliminates overlap and
992     duplication of course work with high schools and technical colleges.
993          Section 19. Section 53B-16-105 is amended to read:
994          53B-16-105. Common course numbering -- Transferability of credits --
995     Agreement with competency-based general education provider -- Policies.
996          (1) As used in this section:
997          (a) (i) "Accredited institution" means an institution that:
998          (A) offers a competency-based postsecondary general education course online or in
999     person; and
1000          (B) is accredited by an organization that the United States Department of Education
1001     recognizes.
1002          [(a)] (b) "Articulation agreement" means an agreement between the board and a
1003     provider that allows a student to transfer credit awarded by the provider for a general education
1004     course to any institution of higher education.
1005          [(b)] (c) "Competency-based" means a system where a student advances to higher
1006     levels of learning when the student demonstrates competency of concepts and skills regardless
1007     of time, place, or pace.
1008          [(c)] (d) "Competency-based general education provider" or "provider" means a private
1009     institution that:
1010          (i) offers a postsecondary competency-based general education course online or in
1011     person;
1012          (ii) awards academic credit; and
1013          (iii) does not award degrees, including associates degrees or baccalaureate degrees.
1014          [(d)] (e) "Credit for prior learning" means the same as that term is defined in Section
1015     53B-16-110.
1016          [(e)] (f) "Institution of higher education" means an institution described in Section
1017     53B-1-102.
1018          [(f) "Regionally accredited institution" means an institution that:]
1019          [(i) offers a competency-based postsecondary general education course online or in

1020     person; and]
1021          [(ii) is accredited by a regional accrediting body recognized by the United States
1022     Department of Education.]
1023          (2) The board shall:
1024          (a) facilitate articulation and the seamless transfer of courses, programs, and credit for
1025     prior learning within the Utah [system of higher education] System of Higher Education;
1026          (b) provide for the efficient and effective progression and transfer of students within
1027     the Utah [system of higher education] System of Higher Education;
1028          (c) avoid the unnecessary duplication of courses;
1029          (d) communicate ways in which a student may earn credit for prior learning; and
1030          (e) allow a student to proceed toward the student's educational objectives as rapidly as
1031     the student's circumstances permit.
1032          (3) The board shall develop, coordinate, and maintain a transfer and articulation system
1033     that:
1034          (a) maintains a course numbering system that assigns common numbers to specified
1035     courses of similar level with similar curricular content, rigor, and standards;
1036          (b) allows a student to track courses that transfer among institutions of higher
1037     education [to meet requirements for general education and lower division courses that transfer
1038     to baccalaureate majors];
1039          (c) allows a student to transfer courses from a provider with which the board has an
1040     articulation agreement to any institution of higher education;
1041          (d) allows a student to transfer competency-based general education courses from [a
1042     regionally] an accredited institution to an institution of higher education;
1043          (e) improves program planning;
1044          (f) increases communication and coordination between institutions of higher education;
1045          (g) facilitates student acceleration and the transfer of students and credits between
1046     institutions of higher education; and
1047          (h) if the system includes a software or data tool:
1048          (i) provides predictive analysis that models probabilities of student success; and
1049          (ii) develops tailored strategies to best support students.
1050          (4) (a) The board shall identify general education courses in the humanities, social

1051     sciences, arts, physical sciences, and life sciences with uniform prefixes and common course
1052     numbers.
1053          (b) A degree-granting institution shall annually identify institution courses that satisfy
1054     requirements of courses described in Subsection (4)(a).
1055          (c) A degree-granting institution shall accept a course described in Subsection (3)(c),
1056     (3)(d), or (4)(a) toward filling specific area requirements for general education or lower
1057     division courses that transfer to baccalaureate majors.
1058          (5) (a) The board shall:
1059          (i) identify technical education programs with common names, descriptions, lengths,
1060     and objectives; and
1061          (ii) within technical education programs, common course names, descriptions, length,
1062     and objectives allowing for customization of electives to meet regional industry demand.
1063          (b) The commissioner shall appoint committees of faculty members from technical
1064     education committees to recommend aligned programs and courses that will satisfy graduation
1065     requirements.
1066          [(5)] (6) (a) The board shall identify common prerequisite courses and course
1067     substitutions for degree programs across degree-granting institutions.
1068          (b) The commissioner shall appoint committees of faculty members from the
1069     degree-granting institutions to recommend appropriate courses of similar content and
1070     numbering that will satisfy requirements for lower division courses that transfer to
1071     baccalaureate majors.
1072          (c) A degree-granting institution shall annually identify institution courses that satisfy
1073     requirements of courses described in Subsection [(5)(a)] (6)(a).
1074          (d) A degree-granting institution shall accept a course described in Subsection (3)(c),
1075     (3)(d), or [(5)(a)] (6)(a) toward filling graduation requirements.
1076          [(6)] (7) (a) (i) The board shall seek proposals from providers to enter into articulation
1077     agreements.
1078          (ii) A proposal described in Subsection [(6)(a)(i)] (7)(a)(i) shall include the general
1079     education courses that the provider intends to include in an articulation agreement.
1080          (b) The board shall:
1081          (i) evaluate each general education course included in a proposal described in

1082     Subsection [(6)(a)] (7)(a) to determine whether the course is equally rigorous and includes the
1083     same subject matter as the equivalent course offered by any institution of higher education; and
1084          (ii) if the board determines that a course included in a provider's proposal is equally
1085     rigorous and includes the same subject matter as the equivalent course offered by any
1086     institution of higher education, enter into an articulation agreement with the provider.
1087          [(7)] (8) The board shall establish policies to administer the policies and requirements
1088     described in this section.
1089          [(8)] (9) The board shall include information demonstrating that institutions of higher
1090     education are complying with the provisions of this section and the policies established in
1091     accordance with Subsection [(7)] (8) in the annual report described in Section 53B-1-402.
1092          Section 20. Section 53B-20-101 is amended to read:
1093          53B-20-101. Property of institutions to vest in state board.
1094          The State Board of [Regents] Higher Education is the successor to, and vested with, all
1095     the powers and authority relating to all properties, real and personal, tangible and intangible,
1096     and to the control and management of the property which was held by the governing board of
1097     each institution prior to the creation of the board.
1098          Section 21. Section 67-1-12 is amended to read:
1099          67-1-12. Displaced defense workers.
1100          (1) The governor, through the Department of Workforce Services, may use funds
1101     specifically appropriated by the Legislature to benefit, in a manner prescribed by Subsection
1102     (2):
1103          (a) Department of Defense employees within the state who lose their employment
1104     because of reductions in defense spending by the federal government;
1105          (b) persons dismissed by a defense-related industry employer because of reductions in
1106     federal government defense contracts received by the employer; and
1107          (c) defense-related businesses in the state that have been severely and adversely
1108     impacted because of reductions in defense spending.
1109          (2) Funds appropriated under this section before fiscal year 1999-2000 but not
1110     expended shall remain with the agency that possesses the funds and shall be used in a manner
1111     consistent with this section. Any amount appropriated under this section in fiscal year
1112     1999-2000 or thereafter may be used to:

1113          (a) provide matching or enhancement funds for grants, loans, or other assistance
1114     received by the state from the United States Department of Labor, Department of Defense, or
1115     other federal agency to assist in retraining, community assistance, or technology transfer
1116     activities;
1117          (b) fund or match available private or public funds from the state or local level to be
1118     used for retraining, community assistance, technology transfer, or educational projects
1119     coordinated by state or federal agencies;
1120          (c) provide for retraining, upgraded services, and programs at technical colleges, public
1121     schools, higher education institutions, or any other appropriate public or private entity that are
1122     designed to teach specific job skills requested by a private employer in the state or required for
1123     occupations that are in demand in the state;
1124          (d) aid public or private entities that provide assistance in locating new employment;
1125          (e) inform the public of assistance programs available for persons who have lost their
1126     employment;
1127          (f) increase funding for assistance and retraining programs;
1128          (g) provide assistance for small start-up companies owned or operated by persons who
1129     have lost their employment;
1130          (h) enhance the implementation of dual-use technologies programs, community
1131     adjustment assistance programs, or other relevant programs under Pub. L. No. 102-484; and
1132          (i) coordinate local and national resources to protect and enhance current Utah defense
1133     installations and related operations and to facilitate conversion or enhancement efforts by:
1134          (i) creating and operating state information clearinghouse operations that monitor
1135     relevant activities on the federal, state, and local level;
1136          (ii) identifying, seeking, and matching funds from federal and other public agencies
1137     and private donors;
1138          (iii) identifying and coordinating needs in different geographic areas;
1139          (iv) coordinating training and retraining centers;
1140          (v) coordinating technology transfer efforts between public entities, private entities,
1141     and institutions of higher education;
1142          (vi) facilitating the development of local and national awareness and support for Utah
1143     defense installations;

1144          (vii) studying the creation of strategic alliances, tax incentives, and relocation and
1145     consolidation assistance; and
1146          (viii) exploring feasible alternative uses for the physical and human resources at
1147     defense installations and in related industries should reductions in mission occur.
1148          (3) The governor, through the Department of Workforce Services, may coordinate and
1149     administer the expenditure of money under this section and collaborate with [applied
1150     technology centers, public] institutions of higher [learning] education, or other appropriate
1151     public or private entities to provide retraining and other services described in Subsection (2).
1152          Section 22. Repealer.
1153          This bill repeals:
1154          Section 53B-1-406, Nominating committee.
1155          Section 53B-1-502, Transition of Utah System of Technical Colleges to Utah Board
1156     of Higher Education -- Recommendations.
1157          Section 53B-6-106, Jobs Now and economic development initiatives.
1158          Section 23. Revisor instructions.
1159          The Legislature intends that the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel, in
1160     preparing the Utah Code database for publication, replace the reference in Section 53B-1-404
1161     from "the effective date of this bill" to the bill's actual effective date.