HB2735 is a bill that proposes changes to the authority of the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) and the governance of public universities in Arizona. The bill would allow ABOR to delegate the authority to approve academic degrees or organizational units solely to a public university president, who in turn would be prohibited from further delegating that authority. Additionally, the bill changes the relationship between ABOR, university presidents, and faculty members by requiring consultation rather than shared responsibility on academic and educational activities and faculty personnel matters. Faculty members would also consult on governance and policy development instead of participating directly.

The bill also defines "organizational unit" and requires public universities to provide ABOR with access to their uniform accounting and reporting systems for oversight and monitoring purposes. The bill includes technical and conforming changes and would take effect on the general effective date. However, it is noted that the Governor vetoed the bill, expressing concerns that limiting faculty management participation could weaken university institutions and limit the inclusion of diverse perspectives and expertise in decision-making.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-1601, 15-1626
House Engrossed Version: 15-1601, 15-1626