A deep review of regent activities could continue for 6 years.

By Ralph K.M. Haurwitz

No one expected institutions of higher learning in Texas and their students to emerge unscarred from the legislative session, and they did not.

The number of students receiving state financial aid grants will decline by tens of thousands during the next two years. Community colleges aren’t getting any extra funding to accommodate sharp enrollment growth. Appropriations to the University of Texas are down 16.5 percent, or $92.1 million, for 2012-13.

All that comes as no shock considering that state leaders said at the outset of the legislative session that they would not raise taxes or dip into the rainy day fund.

Perhaps the most surprising development of the session with regard to higher education was the creation of a House-Senate oversight panel charged by House Speaker Joe Straus and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, who presides over the Senate, with conducting a deep review of university governing boards, policymaking and other matters. Read More