The latest commission studying the governance of Louisiana’s public colleges is suggesting that the Board of Regents have more power over college management boards and state funding for them. The panel backed 21 recommendations today to forward to lawmakers. Among the suggestions that would need legislative approval:
• Constitutional changes to give Regents more authority over the higher education budget and to define Regents as the top board in higher education management;
• A revamp of the free college tuition program called TOPS, to give all students a flat grant amount, capped at the same level for everyone, rather than tied to the cost of tuition at an individual school;
• Increases in need-based financial aid for students.
The commission will vote on a final version of its recommendations in January.
