Authority: Title 23, Chapter 13, Code of Virginia.

A.1. Out of this appropriation, $2,317,728 and 22 positions the first year and $2,687,728 and 22 positions the second year from the general fund is designated to enhance existing Bachelor of Science academic programs in Computer Science, Manufacturing Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mass Communications and Criminal Justice, and to develop a new Doctoral program in Education.

2. Out of the amounts for programs listed in Paragraph A 1 above 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 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 new academic programs funded in A.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 A 1, A 2 and A 3 in this item at the close of business on June 30, 2003, 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 second year.

B. Included in Item 296, paragraph C 3 of this act is $1,077,982 from the general fund and $28,964 in nongeneral funds the first year and $844,197 from the general fund and $28,964 in nongeneral funds the second year to support the debt service on bonds issued by the Virginia College Building Authority to finance equipment.

C. This appropriation includes $30,000 the first year and $30,000 the second year from the general fund to support the Virginia Writing Project, subject to paragraph G of this Item.

D. This appropriation includes $200,000 the first year and $200,000 the second year from the general fund to increase the number of terminally qualified faculty to at least 85 percent of the total teaching faculty.

E. This appropriation authorizes Virginia State University to charge students a technology service fee in conformity with § 4-2.01 c of this act. This appropriation includes $125,005 the first year and $125,005 the second year from nongeneral funds. The fee charged resident undergraduate students each year shall not exceed one percent of the total of resident undergraduate tuition and required fees charged in FY 1998. The fee charged nonresident undergraduate students shall not exceed three percent of the total of nonresident undergraduate tuition and required fees charged in FY 1998. The fee charged graduate and professional students shall not exceed three percent of the total of graduate and professional tuition and required fees charged in FY 1998.

F. 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. No more than 60% percent of the funds may be used for auxiliary facilities.

G. It is the intent of the Governor and the General Assembly that direct general fund support of special purpose research and public service centers and projects in higher education not be continued indefinitely and that institutions of higher education secure nongeneral fund support of such activities. General fund reduction $30,000 the first year and $30,000 the second year from research and public service activities shown below reflect the expectation that additional private and other nongeneral funds be solicited to augment nongeneral fund support: