1. (a) Criteria. In reviewing an institution's request for additions to its Table of Programs for preliminary authority, the Board shall consider:

   1. (1) the demonstrated need for a future program in terms of present and future vocational needs of the state and the nation,
   2. (2) whether the proposed addition would complement and strengthen existing programs at the institution,
   3. (3) whether a future program would unnecessarily duplicate other programs within the region, state, or nation, and
   4. (4) whether a critical mass of students and faculty is likely to be available to allow the program to be offered at a high level of quality and to become self-sufficient on the basis of state funding.

2. (b) Review and Approval Process.

   1. (1) As provided by Texas Education Code, §61.051(e), at least every four years the Board shall review the role and mission statements, the table of programs and all degree and certificate programs offered by each public senior university or health related institution. Requests for preliminary authority for new degree programs shall be presented as part of this review. The review shall include the participation of the institution's board of regents.
   2. (2) The review process shall be determined by the Commissioner, but shall include a review of low-producing degree programs at the institution.
   3. (3) The Board shall approve or re-approve the mission statement and table of programs of each institution following the review described in paragraph (1) of this subsection. Each institution shall be given an opportunity to be heard by the Board about these matters.
   4. (4) Outside the normal review process described in paragraph (1) of this subsection, an institution may request of the Board an amendment to its authorized role and mission and/or preliminary authority for additional degree programs at any time the Commissioner determines that compelling circumstances warrant.
   5. (5) After approval or re-approval, requests for new programs and administrative changes shall be considered in the context of the approved role and mission for the institution.
   6. (6) The Commissioner may approve minor changes to the mission statement or table of programs of an institution during the period between the reviews referenced in paragraph (1) of this subsection.

Source Note:The provisions of this §5.24 adopted to be effective May 28, 2003, 28 TexReg 4124; amended to be effective May 12, 2005, 30 TexReg 2661.