Authority: Title 23, Chapter 13.1, Code of Virginia.

A. This Item includes general and nongeneral fund appropriations to support institutional initiatives that help meet statewide goals described in the Restructured Higher Education Financial and Administrative Operations Act of 2005 (Chapters 933 and 945, 2005 Acts of Assembly).

B.1. Out of this appropriation, $5,350,128 the first year and $5,350,128 the second year from the general fund is designated for the recently initiated Bachelor of Science academic programs in Electronics Engineering and Optical Engineering and Master of Science academic programs in Electronics Engineering, Optical Engineering, Computer Science, and Criminal Justice.

2. Out of the amounts for programs listed in paragraph B.1. above, shall be provided $273,486 the first year and $273,486 the second year from the general fund for lease payments through the Master Equipment Leasing Program for educational and general equipment.

3. Out of the amounts for Educational and General Programs, $37,500 each year from the general fund is provided to serve in lieu of endowment income for the Eminent Scholars Program.

4. In conjunction with the Secretary of Education, Norfolk State University shall develop the following:

a. a timetable for implementing the academic programs funded in B.1. above, including a plan for recruiting faculty, staff, and students;

b. a means by which to assess the effectiveness toward meeting the goals of the new programs; and

c. periodic reports on the expenditures of the funds provided.

C.1. Out of the amounts for Educational and General Programs, a maximum of $70,000 the first year and $70,000 the second year from the general fund is designated for the Dozoretz National Institute for Minorities in Applied Sciences. No allotment of these funds shall be made until Norfolk State University has certified to the Secretary of Education that funds, in cash, are available to match all or any part of the amount herein made available from the general fund.

2. Any unexpended balances in paragraphs B.1., B.2., B.3., and C.1. in this Item at the close of business on June 30, 2006 and June 30, 2007 shall not revert to the surplus of the general fund but shall be carried forward on the books of the State Comptroller and reappropriated in the succeeding year.

D. Out of this appropriation, $94,222 the first year and $94,222 the second year from the general fund is designated to assist the University in improving graduation and retention rates.

E. Out of this appropriation, $78,200 the first year and $78,200 the second year from the general fund is designated to maintain an enrollment management plan.

F. Out of this appropriation, $11,756 the first year and $11,756 the second year from the general fund is designated for the costs to lease and equip space for activities related to technology transfer, research, and graduate work.

G. As Virginia's public colleges and universities approach full funding of the base adequacy guidelines and as the General Assembly strives to fully fund the general fund share of the base adequacy guidelines, these funds are provided with the intent that, in exercising their authority to set tuition and fees, the Board of Visitors shall take into consideration the impact of escalating college costs for Virginia students and families.  In accordance with the cost-sharing goals set forth in § 4-2.01 b. of this act, the Board of Visitors is encouraged to limit increases on tuition and mandatory educational and general fees for in-state, undergraduate students to the extent possible.

H. Out of this appropriation, $54,072 the second year from the general fund is provided to increase the average salary of nursing faculty by 10 percent, effective November 25, 2007.  This additional funding will help to attract and retain nursing faculty that are needed to address a shortage of nurses in the Commonwealth.