June 22, 2023
Dear Faculty and Staff,
As we transition into the summer, I want to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude for your hard work and dedication. Your collective efforts have steered us through a successful spring semester, a triumph reflected in our commencement ceremony on May 13th.
Our celebration marked the graduation of 1,194 University of Houston-Clear Lake students, each ready to make their mark on the world. Your commitment has profoundly influenced their futures, and for that, we can all take immense pride. As we turn our attention to the months ahead, I have several important updates to share.
Legislative Session
Now that the 88th Legislative session for the State of Texas has closed, I would like to provide you with an update on a few critical outcomes that will affect all state universities in Texas and share how they pertain to University of Houston-Clear Lake.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI): Senate Bill 17 prohibits public universities in Texas from establishing or maintaining a DEI office or employing individuals who perform DEI duties. The bill also prohibits using DEI statements or preferences in hiring. The bill mandates periodic reviews of each university’s practices and policies by the state auditor to ensure compliance and impose penalties for noncompliance. UHS’ General Counsel’s summary of this bill and the full text is available for your review online.
The UHS Board of Regents will collaborate with other Texas university systems to ensure consistent interpretation and implementation of the provisions of this legislation.
UHCL is unique in that ours is the only campus in the System with a designated chief diversity and inclusion officer. We will be refocusing that position to align with the new legislative directives and effectively leverage our status as a Hispanic and Minority Serving Institution that is unwavering in its commitment to student success.
Additionally, we are working on a plan to change the name of the Student Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and redirect support and success efforts under a new organizational structure. Details will be forthcoming once the new structure is approved by UHS General Counsel.
Faculty Tenure: Senate Bill 18 allows universities to grant tenure but requires faculty to have a periodic comprehensive evaluation. The provisions for these evaluations closely align with the existing policy on post-tenure review passed by the faculty and adopted by the UHS Board of Regents in late 2022.
UHS General Counsel has provided a summary of the bill, which is available online. The full text of the final legislation can also be found online. UHS General Counsel will be working with faculty senate leaders at all system campuses this summer to make needed changes that align with the legislation.
Provost Maynard will provide communication to faculty once it is determined what changes, if any, are needed. Know that UHCL remains committed to tenure and the important role that it plays to safeguard academic freedom. We will continue to invest in faculty in pursuit of academic excellence, consistent with our mission, vision, values, and Strategic Plan.
Test-Optional Admission Policy
The pandemic brought with it numerous challenges, but also opportunities for reevaluation and change. The suspension of standardized test requirements during the pandemic compelled the university to critically reassess the role these tests play in admissions.
With the decision by University Council to extend test-optional policies for FTIC students beyond the pandemic, we are witnessing a significant shift in our admissions process. This change signals a more holistic approach, emphasizing students' abilities, talents, and achievements. It also streamlines the process to provide more transparency for our students.
The UHS Board of Regents approved our requested changes at their May meeting, which includes a new Conditional Admissions status. The Board-approved changes are now being submitted to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Master of Science in Nursing Education and Leadership
The UHS Board of Regents has given the green light to develop a new Master of Science in Nursing Education and Leadership program, set to augment our healthcare education portfolio. While this approval marks the initial stage in a longer process, it's a significant one, paving the way for our commitment to providing high-quality education in healthcare leadership.
Although there's still much work to be done, this accomplishment is indeed a cause for celebration as we continue our mission to innovate and inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Enjoy your summer, and thank you once again for your dedication and continued support of student success at UHCL.
Sincerely,
Richard Walker, Ed.D.
President
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