Authority: Discretionary Inclusion.Title 23.1, Chapter 31, Article 4, Code of Virginia.
A. It is the intent of the General Assembly that the New College Institute, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, and the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center 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 and the Department of Planning and Budget on their joint efforts in this regard.
B. The requirements of § 4-5.05 shall not apply to this appropriation.
C. 1. The Governing Board of the New College Institute shall develop a comprehensive plan to provide higher education degree and certification programs in accordance with its mission and shall review options to achieve stated goals.
2. Options shall include, but not be limited to: continued operation as an independent public entity with the existing operating structure and partnering with one or more public and/or private entities offering degree or certificate completion.
3. For options regarding partnering with other entities, such proposed agreement, if any, shall detail the plan of operational guidance and funding mechanisms and shall be subject to the approval of all governance boards impacted.
D. 1. The Governing Board of the New College Institute shall be authorized to seek an agreement with the New College Foundation and other non-governmental parties to acquire the Building on Baldwin for the amount not funded by the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission, the federal government through the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the Appalachian Regional Commission, other federal monies, or local government.
2. If agreement on acquisition of the Building on Baldwin cannot be reached, the Governing Board of the New College Institute, with the assistance of the Department of General Services (DGS), is further authorized to plan for the construction or acquisition of a new facility. Priority will be given to options utilizing existing state property. The Governing Board and DGS may partner with local community colleges and/or local governments to this end.
E. 1. Out of this appropriation, $100,000 from the general fund in the second year is designated for the New College Institute to develop a five-year plan for future growth and development. The Governing Board of the New College Institute shall be authorized to contract with public and private colleges and universities to deliver programs that lead to degrees, certificates or credentials that maximize meeting the needs of the citizens of the region. It is the intent of the General Assembly that the first two years of any program and workforce training be conducted / delivered by any public two-year institutions as determined by the Governing Board of the New College Institute. New College Institute shall also review options to work collaboratively with local community colleges. The plan shall also include mechanisms to address growing the pipeline for post-secondary education while working in consultation with local school boards. The goals of the Harvest Foundation shall be considered in the development of this five-year plan.
2. Baccalaureate and higher degrees shall be conducted / delivered by public or private 4-year colleges and universities as determined by the Governing Board of the New College Institute. Subject to the conditions of E.1., George Mason University and Old Dominion University shall provide access of its program portfolio to the New College Institute through the Online Virginia Network.
F. The New College Institute and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia shall evaluate options for alternative pricing that result in lower charges for programs and courses offered to citizens of the region attending the New College Institute. The options shall not be limited to increased subsidy, financial aid or creating a new delivery model for citizens of the Commonwealth. The New College Institute and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia shall report their findings to the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees prior by December 1, 2017.