SF 1186

as introduced - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to higher education; Minnesota State Colleges
and Universities; providing for centers of excellence;
appropriating money; proposing coding for new law in
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 136F.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [136F.31] CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Board designation. new text end

new text begin The board must
designate at least three and up to eight different program
centers of excellence in manufacturing technology,
science/engineering, health care, information technology,
business, and teacher education. The board must determine the
form and required information contained in applications from
member institutions. A center of excellence must include no
more than one state university working with up to two community
and technical colleges.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Center selection criteria. new text end

new text begin The board must
select programs based on institutional proposals demonstrating:
new text end

new text begin (1) a comprehensive academic plan that includes a seamless
continuum of academic offerings in the program area including
associate, baccalaureate, and customized training and continuing
education;
new text end

new text begin (2) a specific development plan that includes a description
of how the institution will pursue continuous improvement,
accountability and work toward becoming nationally recognized;
new text end

new text begin (3) identified commitments from employers that include a
measurable financial and programmatic commitment to the center
of excellence on the part of employers who will benefit from the
development of the center. A center for teacher education must
demonstrate support from local school districts;
new text end

new text begin (4) a commitment from the institution that demonstrates
support from the entire institution for the proposal, and that
new designated funding will not supplant current budgets for the
programs; and
new text end

new text begin (5) a separate endowment amount created for the program
within current institutional foundations.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Advisory committee and reports required. new text end

new text begin A
center of excellence must create an advisory committee
representing local, statewide, and national leaders in the
field. By January 15 of each odd-numbered year, each designated
center must provide a report to the governor and the chairs of
the senate Higher Education Budget Division and the house Higher
Education Finance Committee that includes annual and integrated
data on program enrollment, student demographics, student
admission data, endowment growth, graduation rates, graduation
outcomes, employer involvement, and other outcomes as determined
by the board. A report under this subdivision must also include
the use of any funds made available by a legislative
appropriation for incentive payments to faculty or staff.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $12,500,000 in fiscal year 2006 and $12,500,000 in fiscal
year 2007 are appropriated from the general fund to the Board of
Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities for
the purposes of section 1. Of this appropriation, $2,500,000
each year is for incentive payments to faculty or staff for
initiatives that promote excellence in student learning. To the
extent practicable, the board must make payments under this
section available first to faculty or staff associated with a
designated center of excellence.
new text end