Authority: Title 23, Chapter 13, 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, $2,880,862 the first year and $2,880,862 the second year from the general fund is designated for continued enhancement of the existing Bachelor of Science academic programs in Computer Science, Manufacturing Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mass Communications and Criminal Justice, and the doctoral program in Education.

2. Out of the amounts for programs listed in paragraph B.1. of this Item shall be provided $909,777 the first year and $909,777 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, Virginia 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.

5. Any unexpended balances in paragraphs B.1., B.2. and B.3. in this Item at the close of business on June 30, 2008 and June 30, 2009 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.

C. This appropriation includes $200,000 the first year and $200,000 the second year from the general fund to increase the number of faculty with terminal degrees to at least 85 percent of the total teaching faculty.

D. Out of this appropriation, Virginia State University is authorized to use up to $600,000 the first year and $600,000 the second year to address extremely critical deferred maintenance deficiencies in its facilities, including residence halls and dining facilities.

E. This appropriation includes $99,536 from the general fund and $120,190 from nongeneral funds the first year and $99,536 from the general fund and $120,190 from nongeneral funds the second year for the third and fourth of five annual payments for the purchase and installation of equipment totaling $1,001,000 for the new campus administrative system.  Annual payments in years three through five are expected to be $99,536 from the general fund and $120,190 from nongeneral funds each year.

F. 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.