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TTAC extends engineering, music and architecture legacy fields for two years; Mexican American studies not extended
Summary
TTAC voted to extend several expiring legacy fields of study — engineering (consolidation to be considered), music and architecture — for two years and to not extend Mexican American studies because of low community-college enrollment and degree counts. The committee directed staff to pursue rule language and subcommittee formation.
The Texas Transfer Advisory Committee voted to extend several legacy fields of study that otherwise would have expired under current THECB rules on Aug. 30.
Staff presented graduation and enrollment data for seven legacy fields and recommended: extend engineering until a revised, potentially consolidated engineering field of study can be developed; extend music and architecture because of high enrollments and convene subcommittees to revise them; and do not extend Mexican American studies due to low community-college enrollments and only five associate degrees awarded statewide from 2021 to 2023.
Elizabeth Mayer, assistant commissioner for Academic and Health Affairs at THECB, summarized staff recommendations: "Based upon the rules, anything that has not been revised would expire on August 30, 2025. ... So it is up to you all to decide how you all would like to move forward." Laurel Williamson and other members emphasized that the alternative framework could be used for the larger programs and urged attention to enrollment and program letters submitted by stakeholders.
TTAC voted to extend the engineering, music and architecture fields of study for two years and to convene subcommittees to revise them. The committee decided not to extend the Mexican American studies field of study because staff data showed low utilization at community colleges and only five associate degrees awarded in the most recent three-year window.
Members asked procedural questions about subcommittee composition and process; staff said they will post rule language for public comment and bring the amendment to the July board meeting so the rule timeline will meet the August expiration date. TTAC also directed staff to work with general counsel to prepare rule language and to initiate calls for nominations for subcommittees.
