Concerns incentive compensation and contracts between online program management companies and institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions.
Impact
The legislation requires that all agreements or amendments made with OPMs be submitted to the Secretary of Higher Education, fostering transparency. Institutions must also ensure that contracts do not include provisions that allow OPMs to undertake responsibilities such as setting admission standards or determining course curricula, which could jeopardize academic independence. This move is seen as a safeguard against potential conflicts of interest and protect the integrity of educational governance.
Summary
Assembly Bill A5990 addresses the regulation of contracts between institutions of higher education and online program management companies (OPMs). The bill prohibits institutions from providing incentive compensation to OPMs, including tuition sharing, except for recruiting students from foreign countries. It establishes stringent guidelines for contracts involving online program services, ensuring that these agreements are subjected to scrutiny and oversight from the governing boards of the institutions concerned.
Contention
Debate surrounding A5990 often centers on concerns about the complexities some OPMs introduce into higher education, especially their role in student recruitment and financial aid. Proponents argue that the bill will significantly enhance transparency, while opponents fear that overly restrictive measures could limit the partnerships necessary to grow and adapt online education. The bill compromises between ensuring accountability and allowing flexibility in educational collaborations.
Same As
Concerns incentive compensation and contracts between online program management companies and institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions.
Concerns incentive compensation and contracts between online program management companies and institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions.
Concerns incentive compensation and contracts between online program management companies and institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions.
Requires certain institutions of higher education and degree-granting proprietary institutions to submit certain documentation on online program managers to Secretary of Higher Education.
Requires institutions of higher education and proprietary degree-granting institutions that have agreements with online program managers to disclose online program information.
Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.
Requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to notify Higher Education Student Assistance Authority of approved federal borrower defense loan discharge.
Requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to notify Higher Education Student Assistance Authority of approved federal borrower defense loan discharge.
Establishes provisions for use of applicant and student criminal history at institution of higher education and degree-granting proprietary institution.
Concerns incentive compensation and contracts between online program management companies and institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions.
Concerns incentive compensation and contracts between online program management companies and institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 14; Title 49, Chapter 7; Title 49, Chapter 8 and Title 49, Chapter 9, relative to higher education.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 14; Title 49, Chapter 7; Title 49, Chapter 8 and Title 49, Chapter 9, relative to higher education.