SECTION 2.86. Presentation of Requests and Steps for Implementation

(a) The requesting institution, other than a pilot institution, must submit a Planning Notification in accordance with subchapter C of this chapter (relating to Preliminary Planning Process for New Degree Programs).

(b) A public junior college must request a new baccalaureate degree program using the form prescribed for public junior colleges available on the Board's website.

(c) The rules for administrative completeness set out in subchapter A of this chapter (relating to General Provisions) apply to baccalaureate programs at public junior colleges. Each institution must submit all information and forms required by this subchapter and applicable provisions of subchapter A to be deemed administratively complete, including a nursing program meeting the requirements set out in Tex. Educ. Code §130.308 approval from the Board of Nursing.

(1) Upon receiving a form requesting a new baccalaureate degree program from the institution, or a pilot institution applying to offer an engineering program, the Assistant Commissioner, Commissioner or Board, depending on the required level of approval, shall act on the approval or denial according to the timelines specified in subchapter A of this chapter. If the Board does not act to approve or deny the proposal within the specified time frames, the program is considered approved.

(2) For a pilot institution, the Assistant Commissioner has sixty days from submission of the proposal request materials to complete the review and act to approve or disapprove the proposed program. The Assistant Commissioner shall approve the program if the baccalaureate degree program is administratively complete, approved by the governing board of the junior college district, and is not an engineering program.

(3) A public junior college applying to offer a Bachelor of Science in nursing must provide a letter from the Board of Nursing demonstrating that the program meets the standards and criteria of the Texas Board of Nursing in accordance with Tex. Educ. Code §130.308 with its application in order to be deemed administratively complete.

(d) An institution must obtain the type of approval specified in §2.85 of this subchapter (relating to Approval Required).

(e) Upon approval, Board Staff will add the new degree program to the institution's official Program Inventory. The Program Inventory contains the list of degrees and certificates with official Board approval.

Source Note: The provisions of this §2.86 adopted to be effective November 28, 2022, 47 TexReg 7890