SB 5054 - DIGEST

     Establishes the office of student assistance to administer the state's responsibilities for federal student financial aid programs.

     Provides that the office, in consultation with students, the higher education coordinating board, the work force training and education coordinating board, the state board for community and technical colleges, the council of presidents, public and private institutions of higher education, and career schools and colleges has the following duties:  (1) To work collaboratively with organizations representing the public, students, institutions of  higher education, faculty, and community scholarship groups and corporations;

     (2) to provide objective and timely information to the governor, legislature, public, institutions of higher education, and higher education organizations;

     (3) to be an advocate for the needs of financially needy students to the public, the governor, the legislature, and congress;

     (4) to ensure that public funds are effectively managed and that the maximum amount possible of those funds are provided directly to needy students;

     (5) to the extent feasible, streamline distribution and accountability processes to reduce the need for administrative staff at the state and institutions of higher education;

     (6) to the extent feasible, ensure that programs follow the principle that funding follows resident students to their choice of accredited in-state career schools and colleges; and

     (7) to raise donations and matching grants from people and organizations that wish to donate to state-wide financial aid programs.

     Declares that all powers, duties, and functions of the higher education coordinating board and the office of the adjutant general of the state military department pertaining to financial assistance for students at institutions of higher education are transferred to the office of student assistance.