Reflecting on the 89th TxLeg – Looking Ahead Together

Dear Texas Woman’s Community,

The 89th Texas Legislative Session has officially concluded, and with it comes a moment for both reflection and anticipation. In recent days, Governor Abbott signed into law the state’s budget for the next biennium. While our analysis of the full impact is ongoing, the net effect of revenue from state appropriations appears to be fiscally neutral—gains in some aspects and losses in others. It is important to note that many of the gains are in designated funds that can only be used for infrastructure improvements. The losses in formula funding—a more flexible source for operational needs such as salaries—are due to our recent declines in enrollment rather than changes in the state's model or allocations. As a result, we will need to be both creative and strategic as we build our budget for the coming year.

I also want to take a moment to thank Kevin Cruser, our director of government relations, and all those who worked tirelessly in Austin this session to ensure Texas Woman’s was well represented and that our voice was heard in the fine-tuning of final legislation.

Beyond the budget, several newly enacted bills and policy changes will shape how we operate, govern, and serve. I want to briefly highlight four, each of which will be the subject of more detailed communication in the next few days and coming weeks:

Senate Bill 2615 establishes a framework for telework in public institutions. While the law codifies what prior executive orders had already directed, it reinforces the importance of physical presence in our campus communities. The spirit of the law aligns with Texas Woman’s longstanding emphasis on student-centered engagement and community-building. Provost Angie Bauer and Chief Human Resources and People Officer Tony Sanchez will soon provide guidance on what this means for faculty and staff, respectively.
Senate Bill 37 introduces changes to university governance, curriculum review processes, and faculty senates. Fortunately, Texas Woman’s was already aligned with many of the law’s provisions, and we have been working in partnership with the TWU Faculty Senate to ensure that its composition and bylaws reflect the new statutory requirements. The bill creates a review process for core curricula, as well as for minor and certificate programs. Notably, it does not alter the content of any Texas course curricula. Other provisions include added responsibilities for the Board of Regents, such as oversight of senior leadership hiring decisions. While the faculty senate provisions take effect before the fall semester, most other changes will go into effect January 1, 2026. This legislation will remain front and center in many conversations in the months ahead.
Senate Bill 2972 addresses expressive activity and free speech on college campuses. Vice President Monica Mendez-Grant will coordinate our campus response and any necessary updates to our policies and procedures.
On June 4, the State of Texas settled a case with the U.S. Department of Justice related to residency requirements for in-state tuition. Under the consent judgment, the U.S. District Court declared that the state is prohibited from offering in-state tuition rates to individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States. On June 18, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board instructed public universities to implement this change beginning this fall. We are working to finalize next steps and will be reaching out soon to potentially affected students.

These developments represent only a portion of the legislative outcomes impacting higher education this session. Change—especially at this scale—requires thoughtful planning and resilient leadership. I have no doubt that our Texas Woman’s community will meet this moment with the same grit, adaptability, and shared purpose that have carried us forward time and again.

As we prepare to mark Independence Day, consider taking time to reflect on the freedoms we cherish, the civic responsibilities we share, and the inclusive aspirations we hold as a university. May your Fourth of July be safe, meaningful, and fun.

With a pioneering spirit,

Carine M. Feyten, Ph.D.
Chancellor and President

Page last updated 4:16 PM, July 7, 2025