Authority: Title 23.1, Chapter 31, Article 9, Code of Virginia.

Out of this appropriation, $3,000,000 the first year and $3,000,000 the second year from the general fund is designated for the Online Virginia Network Authority (OVN). George Mason University, Old Dominion University and the Virginia Community College System shall develop a plan for the OVN that (1) serves adult learners, nontraditional students, and other students seeking access to an online degree program; (2) is more cost-effective than a traditional degree; (3) describes how the OVN will reduce the unit cost of providing online education; (4) uses tuition revenue from online students to support the cost of the initiative; (5) includes a discussion of potential options to partner with those currently providing online courses; and (6) utilizes only existing financial aid programs. The OVN shall provide an annual progress report on the plan to the Governor and the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and the Senate Finance Committees by November 1 of each year.