Senate Bill 1444 Summary

• Transfers governance and management of the Ardmore Higher Education Program from its Board of Trustees to the Regional University System of Oklahoma, including all facilities, equipment, and related obligations.

• Designates the Ardmore facilities as a branch campus of Southeastern Oklahoma State University, governed by the Regional University System of Oklahoma.

• Grants Murray State College exclusive authority to offer all lower division courses and programs at the Ardmore branch campus.

• Converts the former Board of Trustees for the Ardmore Higher Education Program into an advisory board to the president of Southeastern Oklahoma State University for strategic direction of the branch campus.

• Establishes a five-year transition plan (through September 1, 2017) with no additional state appropriations for consolidation, expansion of existing campus, or construction of new facilities in Ardmore.