Authority: Title 23, Chapter 16.5, Code of Virginia.

A. It is the intent of the General Assembly that the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, and the New College Institute coordinate their activities, both instructional and research, to the maximum extent possible to best meet the needs of the citizens of the region, to ensure effective utilization of resources, and to avoid unnecessary duplication.  The three entities shall report annually by October 1 to the Secretary of Education and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia on their joint efforts in this regard.

B. Out of this appropriation, $29,050 the first year and $29,050 the second year from the general fund is designated for the educational telecommunications project to provide graduate engineering education.  The participating institutions and centers shall jointly submit an annual report and operating plan to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia in support of these funded activities. For supplemental budget requests, the participating institutions and centers jointly shall submit a report in support of such requests to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia for review and recommendation to the Governor and the General Assembly.

C. Out of this appropriation, $266,000 and three positions the first year and $266,000 and three positions the second year from the general fund is designated for additional operational support of the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center and its efforts to provide specialized workforce training to the citizens of Southside Virginia.

D. The requirements of § 4-5.05 shall not apply to this appropriation.