WASHINGTON – The Bush administration announced Sept. 8 it will hold hearings over the next six weeks regarding how it will implement the changes mandated by the Higher Education Act (HEA), which was signed into law Aug. 14.
The hearings will take place at six different colleges:
- Sept. 19 at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas
- Sept. 29 at the University of Rhode Island in Providence, R.I.
- Oct. 2 at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif.
- Oct. 6 at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, N.C.
- Oct. 8 at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington
- Oct. 15 at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio
Committees will be created to include representatives of organizations or groups with interests that are significantly affected by the proposed regulations.
The HEA provides for a matching grant program so that colleges and universities can fund safety and security initiatives. Several additions to the Clery Act are also included, as are changes to missing student protocols. Additionally, institutions of higher education will now be required to report fires.
The legislation authorizes 50 percent matching grants to be awarded to institutions of higher education on a competitive basis. These are intended to enable colleges to develop and implement state-of-the-art emergency communication systems; procedures for students, faculty and staff to follow in the event of an emergency; and procedures for institutions to notify their communities about emergencies.
The bill also funds other measures, including security assessments, security training, coordination with local authorities, establishment of an emergency hotline, and acquisition and installation of access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, and perimeter security systems. There is also a provision for mental health services for students and staff so they can be coordinated with appropriate local entities. Funding levels will be determined during the appropriations process.
The complete announcement can be found in the Federal Register at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-20776.htm.
Related Articles:
- 30-Minute Notice Requirement Not Included in HEA Reauthorization
- President Bush Signs Higher Education Opportunity Act
- Update: Bush Approves HEA Reauthorization, New Grant Program
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