Board Committees and Subcommittees

On or around April 15 each year, the Chancellor must appoint members to the standing committees of the Board, established by statute, and designate the chairperson and vice chairperson of each committee. In addition, the chancellor from time to time may establish subcommittees and shall designate the members and chairperson of each subcommittee. Following are the functions of the standing committees and the current subcommittees of the Board of Regents:

Standing Committees

Committee on Cultural Education. Assists the full Board of Regents in serving the trustees of the State Library, the State Museum and the State Archives; develops policy recommendations regarding cultural education; develops and monitors State aid programs to cultural institutions and organizations; monitors the implementation of programs and services for government provided by the State Education Department's Office of Cultural Education; develops budgetary and legislative proposals for cultural education and advocates such proposals and cultural education policies in conjunction with the full Board; reviews and approves amendments to the Rules of the Board of Regents and Regulations of the Commissioner of Education concerning cultural education; and seeks input from the public and the professional field concerning cultural education policies and practices.

Committee on Elementary, Middle, Secondary and Continuing Education. Develops policy recommendations regarding elementary, middle and secondary education, work force preparation and continuing education; reviews the monitoring of elementary, middle and secondary education, workforce preparation and continuing education programs and results; monitors State aid program to elementary, middle and secondary schools; seeks input from the public and the professional field concerning elementary, secondary education and work force preparation and continuing education policies and practices; reviews and approves amendments to the Rules of the Board of Regents and Regulations of the Commissioner of Education pertaining to elementary, middle and secondary education, work force preparation and continuing education; reviews the provision of technical assistance to elementary, middle and secondary schools; develops legislative and budgetary proposals for elementary, middle and secondary education, work force preparation and continuing education; and initiates studies and activities leading to the improvement of educational conditions and outcomes for children from birth through high school graduation and adults in work force preparation and continuing education programs.

Committee on Ethics. Develops written guidelines for ethical conduct by Board members; assures that Board members are advised by the State Education Department's Office of Counsel with respect to requirements of Public Officers Law and other relevant laws and regulations relating to the conduct of the Regents; advises Board members when potential conflicts of interest arise; reviews allegations of unethical conduct against or by Board members; makes reports and recommendations to the full Board, as appropriate; and reviews written guidelines applicable to State Education Department employees.

Committee on Higher and Professional Education. Develops policy recommendations regarding postsecondary education and retraining programs; oversees preparation of the statewide plan for the development of postsecondary education and reviews and approves amendments to institutional or sectoral master plans for new programs and facilities; reviews and approves amendments to the Rules of the Board of Regents and Regulations of the Commissioner of Education pertaining to postsecondary education issues, including academic and professional program approval, student and institutional financial aid, professional licensure requirements, and the administration of continuing professional competence requirements; oversees administration of continuing competence requirements for professional licensure and registration; develops policy recommendations regarding professional human resources, examination and licensure issues and requirements, including minority access to professional education and licensure; reviews and approves appointments to the State boards for regular service (advising on licensure, examinations, practice and discipline) for the professions in conjunction with the Regents Committee on Professional Practice; reviews and approves the recommendations of the Staff Committee on the Professions on applications for waiver of licensure requirements; monitors the financial conditions of postsecondary institutions; develops legislative and budgetary proposals for higher and professional education; recommends appointments to advisory councils and boards; and seeks input from the public and the field concerning postsecondary education policies and practices.

Committee on Professional Practice. Develops policy regarding standards of professional conduct, continuing competence standards, professional practice issues, professional assistance programs and the disciplinary process; monitors the implementation of the licensure/disciplinary function by the State Education Department; reviews and approves appointments to the State Boards for the Professions for service on licensure/disciplinary panels; reviews Regents Review Committee recommendations and proposed consent orders and surrenders of license in professional discipline cases; reviews the recommendations of the staff Committee on the Professions on petitions for restoration of a professional license; seeks input from the public and the professions concerning professional policies and practices; and develops legislative and budgetary proposals relating to professional practice and professional discipline.

Committee on Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities. Develops policy recommendations regarding vocational rehabilitation, overall coordination of vocational and educational services to individuals with disabilities, and coordination of interagency agreements and activities; monitors the implementation of vocational rehabilitation programs and services and of interagency agreements; develops legislative and budgetary proposals for vocational rehabilitation and related educational services for individuals with disabilities, and leads in pressing for legislative and budgetary priorities within the State Education Department and with the Legislature; reviews and approves amendments to the Rules of the Board of Regents and Regulations of the Commissioner of Education relating to vocational rehabilitation and related educational services for individuals with disabilities; reviews the development and implementation of the Regents Comprehensive Plan for the Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities; and seeks input from the public and professional field on policies and practices concerning vocational rehabilitation and related educational services for the disabled.

Committee on Policy Integration and Innovation.  Guides the strategic planning effort of the Board of Regents; recommends improvements in the structure, operations and staff support of the Board; plans Board retreats and training; and plans the periodic evaluation of the commissioner by the Board. 

Subcommittees

Subcommittee on State Aid. Develops legislative recommendations and policy to implement A New Compact for Learning strategy by seeking appropriate resources to ensure that all students in the State achieve the sound basic education necessary for successful adult roles.

Subcommittee on Audits.  Reviews audits of educational entities conducted by the State Education Department and audits of the department by Federal and State auditors; gives policy level feedback to department staff about audit findings, trends across audits, and courses of constructive action to address problems; Advises on the two-year audit plan of the department.

Task Forces

 

 

*** Last update 05/03/2006 ***