SB0803: Expand TN Promise to NACCAS Schools With Enrollment Limits

TN Gen. Assy Bill: SB0803

Sponsor: Massey

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Bill Summary

Eligible Institution: Includes an institution accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) with its primary campus located in Tennessee.
Scholarship Eligibility: Allows a student to receive a Tennessee Promise scholarship by enrolling at the newly eligible institution.
Enrollment Condition: Scholarship availability is contingent upon the absence of available enrollment slots at a Tennessee college of applied technology in the student’s county of residence for their desired program.
Legislative Amendment: Amends provisions under TCA Title 49.

Risks & Considerations

The inclusion of institutions accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) as eligible for the Tennessee Promise scholarship could increase competition for students among postsecondary institutions in Tennessee. This may lead to a redistribution of students who might otherwise attend traditional colleges or universities.
There is a potential risk that the quality of education could vary significantly between NACCAS-accredited institutions and traditional colleges, which might affect the overall educational outcomes for students receiving the Tennessee Promise scholarship.
The condition that scholarships are only available if there are no enrollment slots in a Tennessee college of applied technology could limit student choice and potentially delay their educational progress if they are unable to secure a spot in their desired program.
Vanderbilt University may need to consider how this change could impact its recruitment strategies, particularly if students opt for alternative educational pathways that are more accessible due to the Tennessee Promise scholarship.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s Admissions Office may need to adjust its outreach and recruitment efforts to address the potential shift in student preferences towards NACCAS-accredited institutions.
The Office of Financial Aid might need to reassess its financial aid offerings to remain competitive and attractive to prospective students who have additional scholarship options.
Vanderbilt’s Career Services could see changes in the types of career paths students are interested in, particularly if more students pursue programs at NACCAS-accredited institutions that focus on career arts and sciences.

Financial Impact

The expansion of Tennessee Promise scholarship eligibility to include NACCAS-accredited institutions could lead to a shift in state funding allocations, potentially affecting the financial landscape for traditional higher education institutions.
Vanderbilt University might experience changes in its applicant pool, which could impact tuition revenue and necessitate adjustments in financial aid distribution to attract and retain students.
There may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to collaborate with NACCAS-accredited institutions to enhance educational offerings and create pathways for students to transition to traditional degree programs.

Relevance Score: 3 (The bill presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential shifts in student demographics and funding.)

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 could impact the university’s recruitment strategies and financial aid offerings, particularly for students with artistic talents.
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. This will involve evaluating the utilization, state financial support, and student academic outcomes, which could influence future tuition policies and financial planning.

Opportunities

The introduction of the “Speak UP, Tennessee Scholarship Act” offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Department of English and Creative Writing to develop programs that support and attract students interested in spoken word poetry. This could enhance the university’s reputation in the arts and attract a diverse student body.
By engaging with the Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s expanded role, Vanderbilt can influence the development of quality non-degree credentials. This aligns with the university’s goals of expanding educational offerings and meeting the needs of a diverse student population.
The requirement for reports on tuition discounts and waivers presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Financial Planning Office to showcase its effective use of financial resources and student support strategies. This transparency can enhance the university’s reputation and attract prospective students.

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

Average Relevance Score: 2

Timeline for Implementation

N/A – No specific deadlines, enforcement delays, or timeframes are mentioned in the provided text.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Tennessee Promise Scholarship Program: The amendment directly modifies eligibility for this state-run scholarship, affecting its administration and implementation.
Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology: The availability of the scholarship is conditioned on enrollment capacity at these state institutions, impacting their operational criteria.
Tennessee Higher Education Commission: Likely responsible for overseeing and coordinating postsecondary education policies affected by amendments to TCA Title 49, including scholarship eligibility standards.

Relevance Score: 2 (Three government entities are directly impacted by the amendment.)

Responsible Officials

N/A – The legislation does not designate a specific official or agency responsible for implementing these scholarship eligibility conditions.

Relevance Score: 1 (The directive lacks explicit guidance on which official or agency must implement the scholarship conditions, suggesting minimal administrative impact.)