Texas Emerging Research Universities
Following the passage of House Bill 51 of the 81st Texas Legislature, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) designated UTEP and six other public universities in the State (UT Arlington, UT Dallas, UT San Antonio, Texas Tech, the University of Houston, and the University of North Texas) as Texas Emerging Research Universities. Proposition Number 4, approved by voters on November 3, 2009, amends the Texas constitution to establish the National Research University Fund (NRUF). Emerging Research Universities may receive NRUF funds beginning in 2011, if they meet the following criteria:
HB 51 requires both research and emerging research universities to develop long-range strategic plans to achieve or enhance their recognition as research universities. These plans must provide the following:
See the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board website for further information.
- Expenditure of at least $45 million in restricted research
- Four of the following:
- $400 million endowment
- 200 Ph.D.’s awarded annually
- A freshman class with high academic achievement
- Membership in the Association of Research Laboratories, Phi Beta Kappa, or equivalent national recognition
- High quality faculty
- Commitment to high quality graduate education.
HB 51 requires both research and emerging research universities to develop long-range strategic plans to achieve or enhance their recognition as research universities. These plans must provide the following:
- Vision Statement
- Plan to Increase Research Funding and Productivity, identifying targets, research priorities, funds necessary to achieve goals, and ways in which the institution will enhance student research participation
- Plan to Improve Undergraduate Education, including plans to improve the institution’s “student profile” and increase the number of baccalaureate degrees awarded, particularly in the critical fields identified in “Closing the Gaps by 2015.”
- Plans for Doctoral Programs, including an assessment of existing doctoral programs in comparison with national peers and identification of areas of emphasis for new doctoral programs along with plans for assessment of the programs and of their regional impact.
- Plan for Faculty and Student Development, including, among other elements, plans to recruit new faculty who can contribute to the institution’s goal of achieving national recognition and plans to assist faculty in becoming more productive, innovative, and effective in their research.
- Other Resources, including plans to enhance research facilities and library resources and to increase graduate student support.
- National Visibility, focusing on plans not described in the above sections to increase national visibility and research reputation.
See the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board website for further information.