SB1359: Change Annual Workforce Report Deadline for Higher Education Commission

TN Gen. Assy Bill: SB1359

Sponsor: Watson

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Bill Summary

Purpose: Mandate the Tennessee Higher Education Commission to submit an annual report on state workforce need projections and credential production.
Timeline Change: Adjusts the submission deadline from March 1 to July 1.
Recipients: Report to be provided to the Governor, the Education and Commerce and Labor Committees of the Senate, and the corresponding committees in the House with jurisdiction over higher education and commerce.
Statutory Amendments: Modifies provisions in TCA Titles 4, 8, 9, 10, 12, 49, 66, and 67.

Risks & Considerations

The change in the reporting date from March 1 to July 1 for the Tennessee higher education commission’s annual report on workforce needs and credential production may impact the timing of strategic planning and decision-making processes at Vanderbilt University. This delay could affect the university’s ability to align its programs with state workforce needs in a timely manner.
There is a potential risk that the delay in receiving workforce projections could lead to a misalignment between the university’s program offerings and the actual demand in the job market, potentially affecting student enrollment and satisfaction.
The amendment may require adjustments in the university’s internal reporting and planning schedules to ensure that strategic decisions are made with the most current data available.
Vanderbilt University may need to enhance its collaboration with the Tennessee higher education commission to ensure that any changes in workforce needs are communicated effectively and promptly, despite the new reporting timeline.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s Career Center may need to adjust its career advising and employer engagement strategies to accommodate any shifts in workforce demand that are reported later in the year.
The Office of Academic Affairs might need to review and potentially revise curriculum offerings to ensure they remain aligned with the latest workforce projections, despite the delayed reporting.
Graduate and Professional Programs at Vanderbilt may need to be particularly vigilant in monitoring industry trends independently to ensure that their graduates remain competitive in the job market.

Financial Impact

The delay in receiving workforce need projections could impact the university’s ability to secure funding and partnerships that are contingent on aligning educational programs with state workforce demands.
Vanderbilt University may need to allocate additional resources to conduct independent market research to supplement the delayed state reports, ensuring that program offerings remain relevant and competitive.
There could be financial implications if the university’s programs do not align with workforce needs, potentially affecting enrollment numbers and, consequently, tuition revenue.

Relevance Score: 3 (The change presents moderate risks involving compliance with state reporting timelines and potential misalignment with workforce needs.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Financial Aid Office should evaluate the implications of the “Speak UP, Tennessee Scholarship Act” which provides scholarships for students demonstrating artistic excellence in spoken word poetry. This evaluation should focus on how the university can support and attract these students, potentially enhancing its arts programs and student diversity.
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission changes, including the addition of the executive director to the selection process for chief executive officers, should be monitored by Vanderbilt’s administration. Understanding these changes will be crucial for aligning the university’s leadership strategies with state policies.
Vanderbilt’s Office of Institutional Research should prepare to contribute to the required reports on tuition discounts and waivers. By providing comprehensive data and analysis, the university can influence state decisions on financial support and student outcomes.

Opportunities

The introduction of the “Speak UP, Tennessee Scholarship Act” offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Department of English and Creative Writing to develop partnerships with high schools and community organizations to identify and nurture potential scholarship recipients, thereby strengthening its pipeline of talented students.
The expanded authority of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s executive director presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Government Relations Office to engage more directly with state education leaders, potentially influencing policy decisions that affect higher education in Tennessee.
By actively participating in the evaluation of tuition discounts and waivers, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in advocating for equitable access to higher education, potentially attracting additional state support and recognition.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to align with new scholarship opportunities and changes in state higher education leadership.)

Average Relevance Score: 3

Timeline for Implementation

Deadline: July 1 (the new requirement for the higher education commission to submit its annual report).

Relevance Score: 2

Impacted Government Organizations

Tennessee Higher Education Commission: Required to submit its annual report on state workforce need projections and credential production.
Governor’s Office: Receives the annual report from the higher education commission.
Senate Education Committee: One of the Senate committees designated to review the report.
Senate Commerce Committee: Also tasked with receiving and reviewing the report.
Senate Labor Committee: Involved in oversight by being provided the report.
House Committee on Higher Education: Receives the report as part of its jurisdiction.
House Committee on Commerce: Another committee in the House designated to review the report.

Relevance Score: 3 (Seven distinct state organizations are impacted by this measure.)

Responsible Officials

Tennessee Higher Education Commission – Responsible for generating and submitting the annual report on state workforce need projections and credential production by the revised deadline.

Relevance Score: 4 (This directive affects the agency head of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, which involves significant administrative responsibility and oversight.)