44TH LEGISLATURE - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - FIRST SESSION, 1999

REQUESTING THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION TO STUDY MERIT SELECTION OF MEMBERS OF BOARDS OF REGENTS OF FOUR-YEAR POST-SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

WHEREAS, Article 12, Section 13 of the constitution of New Mexico provides for the appointment by the governor of members of boards of regents of four-year institutions of post-secondary education; and

WHEREAS, there are no qualifications for board membership except for meeting the requirements of partisan balance and the inclusion of one student number; and

WHEREAS, several institutions in recent years have experienced legal challenges as a result of selection of presidents by their boards; and

WHEREAS, some states have merit selection standards for members of their governing boards of post-secondary education;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the commission on higher education be requested to study merit selection of members and the composition of the boards of regents, compare other states' provisions and receive suggestions from New Mexico's boards of regents, faculty, students and administrators of post-secondary educational institutions; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the commission on higher education report its findings and recommendations to the appropriate legislative interim committee by November 1, 1999; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the executive director of the commission on higher education.