As part of the periodic review of Board of Trustees Policies to ensure alignment with current law and practice, the following is a summary of proposed policy changes to be presented to the Board at the September 11-12 meeting at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Red-lined versions of the policy drafts are linked.

Revised Board Policy 505.6 Withholding of Diplomas, Transcripts, and Registration

• The U.S. Department of Education released, on October 24, 2023, its final rules to amend the implementing regulations to Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, 34 C.F.R. § 668, et seq. The final rules became effective on July 1, 2024. The rules implement limitations on transcript withholding by institutions that participate in any Title IV, HEA programs.  The Office of General Counsel has proposed the enclosed amendments to Board Policy 505.6 to align with the rules and to clean-up the policy language for clarity.

Revised Board Policy 705.1 Use of University Facilities

• Board Policy 705.1 outlines allowed uses of University Facilities, including a section on expressive activities on campus. Act 614 of 2023 added certain non-academic indoor areas to existing state law concerning campus forums for expressive activities. The Office of General Counsel has proposed the enclosed amendments to reflect this change in law. Additional formatting changes are proposed for better policy organization and clarity.

To submit feedback regarding these proposed policy amendments, email Ben Beaumont at bbeaumont@uasys.edu.