HB1344: Change Annual Workforce Report Deadline for Higher Education Commission

TN Gen. Assy Bill: HB1344

Sponsor: Lamberth

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Bill Summary

Purpose: Establishes a revised timeline for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s annual report submission on state workforce need projections and credential production.
Timeline: Changes the report submission date from March 1 to July 1.
Recipients: Report to be delivered to the governor, the Senate’s education, commerce, and labor committees, and the corresponding House committees with jurisdiction over higher education and commerce.
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 reporting could lead to a misalignment between the university’s academic offerings and the evolving demands of the labor market, which may affect the employability of graduates.
The extended timeline for report submission may also impact the university’s ability to secure funding or partnerships that are contingent on aligning with state workforce projections.
Vanderbilt University may need to adjust its internal processes to accommodate the new reporting schedule, ensuring that its strategic initiatives remain aligned with state goals and workforce needs.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s Career Center may need to adjust its programming and resources to ensure that students are prepared for the workforce in alignment with the updated state projections.
The Office of Academic Affairs might need to review and potentially revise curriculum offerings to ensure they meet the projected workforce needs as outlined in the delayed report.
Vanderbilt’s Research Centers focusing on labor market trends and workforce development may experience increased demand for their expertise in analyzing and interpreting the implications of the delayed report.

Financial Impact

The delay in the report could impact the timing of funding allocations or grant opportunities that are dependent on aligning with state workforce needs, potentially affecting the university’s financial planning and budgeting processes.
Vanderbilt University may need to allocate additional resources to ensure that its programs and initiatives remain competitive and aligned with state workforce projections, despite the delayed reporting.
There may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to engage in research and development projects aimed at addressing the workforce needs identified in the report, potentially leading to new funding streams and partnerships.

Relevance Score: 3 (The change presents moderate risks involving compliance with state reporting requirements and potential impacts on strategic alignment 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 will help in aligning Vanderbilt’s scholarship offerings and financial aid strategies to attract talented students in the arts.
The Office of the Provost should consider the impact of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s expanded authority and reporting requirements. Engaging with the commission to understand these changes can help Vanderbilt align its administrative processes and reporting to meet new state expectations.
Vanderbilt’s Admissions Office should assess the potential impact of expanded quality non-degree credentials for which students may receive the Wilder-Naifeh technical skills grant. Understanding these changes can help in adapting recruitment strategies to attract students interested in technical skills and non-degree programs.

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 support talented spoken word artists, potentially increasing enrollment in related programs.
The changes in the Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s authority present an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Office of Government and Community Relations to strengthen its relationship with state education officials. By actively participating in discussions and providing input on policy changes, Vanderbilt can influence higher education policy in Tennessee.
The expansion of the Wilder-Naifeh technical skills grant aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to lifelong learning and workforce development. Vanderbilt’s Center for Professional Education can explore new program offerings and partnerships with industry leaders to enhance technical skills training and certification programs.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to align with new scholarship opportunities and reporting requirements.)

Average Relevance Score: 3

Timeline for Implementation

Submission Period: March 1 to July 1. (The Tennessee higher education commission must provide its annual report during this period, with July 1 being the submission deadline.)

Relevance Score: 2

Impacted Government Organizations

Tennessee Higher Education Commission: Required to submit its annual report on state workforce needs and credential production by the new deadline.
Tennessee Governor’s Office: Receives the annual report, ensuring that the governor is informed on higher education and workforce adequacy.
Tennessee State Senate – Education Committee: Provided with the annual report to oversee issues related to state higher education.
Tennessee State Senate – Commerce and Labor Committee: Receives the report to monitor the interplay between workforce credential production and commerce/labor needs.
Tennessee House of Representatives – Higher Education Committee: Gets a copy of the report, facilitating legislative oversight on higher education matters.
Tennessee House of Representatives – Commerce Committee: Provided with the report to help assess the implications for commerce-related education initiatives.

Relevance Score: 3 (Six impacted government agencies in the legislation.)

Responsible Officials

Tennessee Higher Education Commission – Tasked with preparing and submitting the annual report on state workforce need projections and credential production to the governor and the relevant legislative committees.

Relevance Score: 4 (Directs an agency head to take action with implications for state-level educational oversight.)