The implementation of a robust but controversial conflict-of-interest policy at institutions in the University of Texas System that was originally scheduled for this spring has been delayed until at least September.

The University of Texas System regents voted unanimously Thursday to turn over documents to state legislators that they had considered withholding and to have the attorney general conduct a review of the University of Texas Law School Foundation.

Francisco Cigarroa, chancellor of The University of Texas System, and John Sharp, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, join Evan Smith, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of The Texas Tribune, in a conversation about higher education and the future of Texas' largest two university systems. 

This event was recorded before a live audience in Austin on March 28, 2013. TribLives feature moderated discussion with our honored guests followed by questions from the audience. For more information on Tribune events, please visit http://www.texastribune.org/events/.

Full video of my 3/28 TribLive conversation with University of Texas System Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa and Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp. 

At Thursday's TribLive conversation, University of Texas System Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa discussed the roiling conflict between the Board of Regents and UT-Austin President Bill Powers.

Sen. Kel Seliger, who co-chairs the Legislature's joint higher education oversight committee, said UT regents should have access to the information they have requested, but the committee wants to make sure it is being gathered and used appropriately.

Lawmakers are preparing to examine whether or not the University of Texas System regents are micromanaging their flagship university, while trying to prevent the session from being overwhelmed by controversies reminiscent of 2011.

In an effort to prevent the perception of conflicts of interest, faculty in the University of Texas System could soon be subject to more robust public disclosure requirements than lawmakers and even university system regents.

There is a significant amount of excitement in the Rio Grande Valley about a proposal to combine the University of Texas at Brownsville and the University of Texas-Pan American into a new university that would also have a planned medical school.

South Texas health leaders say they've waited long enough to establish a medical school in the Rio Grande Valley. But they've got some major hurdles to cross to get from blueprints to bricks and mortar. 

Rather than keep any bonus he earns under the University of Texas System's new incentive pay plan for presidents, University of Texas-Pan American President Robert Nelsen plans to give the bonuses to his institution.

Emails obtained by the Tribune suggest the outcry that could follow if UT-Austin President Bill Powers were dismissed in a manner similar to that of recently reinstated University of Virginia President Teresa Sullivan.

Gene Powell, chairman of the UT System's board of regents, has drawn lots of attention. The latest commotion surrounds a report — which he denies — that he asked the chancellor to recommend the firing of UT-Austin's president.

In an exclusive sit-down with the Tribune, University of Texas System Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa contradicted published reports questioning the job security of UT-Austin President Bill Powers.

Texas Southern University has the state's lowest graduation rate, but TSU President John Rudley says that steps are being taken to put the university on the right track.

UTEP's graduation rates are among the worst in the state, but President Diana Natalicio is adamant that the metric doesn't accurately reflect the institution.

Like many at the end of this year, University of Texas System Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa and Gene Powell, the chairman of the board of regents, are in a reflective mood.

UT System Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa was among a dozen leaders invited to the White House for a talk with President Obama about the challenges facing higher education.