NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates Senate Bill 37

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Commission for Higher Education (CHE)

CHE Files - Special Funding Requests Submitted by NMSU

SUMMARY

Synopsis of HEC Amendment

The House Education Committee amendment to House Bill 141 adds language to clarify that this new program is a master's of education degree with an emphasis in distance education, rather than a master's of distance education degree. The language in this amendment clarifies how the $200.0 appropriation is to be used:

.....to offer a master's degree in education with an emphasis in learning technologies and endorsement for information technology coordinators through distance education, including faculty expenses and acquisition of course supplies and computer equipment.

Synopsis of Original Bill

House Bill 141 appropriates $200.0 to New Mexico State University (NMSU) to establish a new Master of Arts degree program in distance education technology.

Significant Issues

This proposal would create a new master's level degree program in the College of Education to prepare teachers for integrating new technologies into the teaching process.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $200.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY02 shall revert to the general fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPACT

NMSU submitted the following budget for this program including 3.0 FTE to the CHE.

Salaries (3.0 FTE) $120,000

Fringe Benefits $23,700

Supplies/Equipment $30,000

Travel $10,000

Other $16,300

TOTAL $200,000

SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

The following is provided for information only. It is not intended as a commentary on the merits of the program/project:

The NMSU Board of Regents ranked this project first out of four proposals in their "Instruction and General Programs" category and this proposal was presented to the CHE for consideration via the research and public service project funding process. The CHE did not recommend this program for funding.

According to the CHE, this program does not currently exist. 21-1-24 NMSA 1978, states that any graduate program that is to benefit from state funding must be first approved by the CHE and the State Board of Finance. The process for graduate degree program approval is in 5 NMAC 5.2. This program has not yet been presented for review per the regulatory process.

LG/ar