Tier-1 proposition to appear on Nov. ballots

Alison Schwamkrug

The Signal Staff

An amendment to the Texas Constitution, Proposition 4-Tier One, will appear on  statewide ballots Nov. 3 to assist in the creation of seven more Tier One universities.

Texas has three Tier One universities: University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M, and Rice University. While there is no specific definition for the term “Tier One,” it generall refers to nationall competitive research universities.

In testimony before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education in February 2009, Commissioner of Higher Education Raymund Paredes listed peer assessment, faculty quality, quality of graduate academic and professional programs, extramural research and academic support, undergraduate education, academic outcomes, and demographic and economic considerations as criteria for national research universities.

By voting for Proposition 4, Texas voters would establish the National Research University Fund, a constitutionally dedicated fund available for the allowance of seven emerging research universities that meet specific national standards.

“I think University of Houston has the greatest potential to meet the benchmark,” said State Senator Mike Jackson. “UH becoming a Tier One university would be a great opportunity for Houston economic development. We will be attracting many new jobs and people to the Houston area, which will only prosper growth.”

By becoming a Tier One school, UH hopes to enhance the academic programs, student success and, in the long run, the value of a degree from UH.

“The Tier One initiative would not only help to elevate the national recognition of the University of Houston, but the University of Houston System,” said William Staples, UHCL president. “Tier One status for UH would positively impact UHCL’s partnerships with UH including the Environmental Institute of Houston and the Institute for Space Systems Operations. Having a Tier One university in Houston would benefit the city of Houston, the Houston-Galveston region and the state of Texas.”

“I don’t foresee a tuition raise based on Proposition 4 alone,” Jackson said. “Tuition has been raised across the country every year without the impact of Proposition 4. Besides, there is other fund money out there provided by the NRUF that would cover the program.”
The UH System Board of Regents have been working for many years to pass Proposition 4.

“Their goal has been to bring higher education to the Houston community, Jackson said. “They have been working very diligently and I would like to see them rewarded.”