SEARCH SITE

VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL

SEARCHABLE DATABASES

ACROSS SESSIONS

Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.

2000 SESSION

004425948
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 240
Offered January 24, 2000
Establishing a joint subcommittee to study the need for a public four-year institution of higher education in the metropolitan Virginia Beach area.
----------
Patrons-- Tata, McDonnell and Wagner
----------
Referred to Committee on Rules
----------

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth's system of public higher education consists of 15 four-year institutions, one two-year institution, and 23 community colleges committed to missions of academic excellence, research, and service; and

WHEREAS, with the dawning of a new century, the Commonwealth may renew its commitment to making the highest quality higher education opportunities accessible to its citizens in the most practicable, feasible, and cost-efficient manner; and

WHEREAS, the need for appropriate access to higher education is critically important to prepare an effective, skilled workforce equipped to compete in an increasingly global economy; and

WHEREAS, the metropolitan Virginia Beach area is served by the community college system and four-year institutions in Newport News and Norfolk, as well as a higher education center operated collaboratively by Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University; and

WHEREAS, although it is the largest city in the Commonwealth, Virginia Beach cannot claim a public four-year institution offering four-year postsecondary educational opportunities to its citizens; and

WHEREAS, a four-year institution in the metropolitan Virginia Beach area might expand access to higher education in the Virginia Beach metropolitan area by providing for adult and continuing education and degree-granting programs, including undergraduate, graduate and professional programs, through partnerships with the Commonwealth's public and private institutions of higher education; and

WHEREAS, such an institution might also serve as a resource and referral center on existing educational programs and resources by maintaining and disseminating information; coordinate the development and delivery of continuing education programs offered by those educational institutions serving the area; and develop, in coordination with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, specific goals for higher education access and availability in the Virginia Beach area; and

WHEREAS, expanding access to higher education in the Virginia Beach area is consistent with the Commonwealth's commitment to ensure the "broadest possible diffusion of knowledge" among its citizens; and

WHEREAS, the creation of a four-year public institution in Virginia Beach necessitates careful consideration of a variety of complex fiscal, educational, and policy issues; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That a joint subcommittee be established to study the need for a public four-year institution of higher education in the metropolitan Virginia Beach area. The joint subcommittee shall be composed of 11 members as follows: four members of the House of Delegates, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House in accordance with the provisions of Rule 16 of the House Rules; three members of the Senate, to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections; and four citizens at large from the metropolitan Virginia Beach area, two of whom shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House and two of whom shall be appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections.

In conducting its study, the joint subcommittee shall review the policies and procedures, if any, for the establishment of colleges in the Commonwealth, including accreditation, and examine (i) regional and potential student demographics; (ii) area educational levels as well as high school and college graduation rates; (iii) the status of economic development of the metropolitan Virginia Beach area; (iv) the availability of appropriate facilities, space, and grounds for the construction or location of a college, including the feasibility and appropriateness of transforming the existing higher education center operated by Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University into a separate, four-year institution; (v) the availability of qualified instructors, administrators, and staff; (vi) the study disciplines and degrees that might be offered at such an institution; (vii) the potential costs of establishing the college; (viii) community and local government support for the college; (ix) consultation with the State Council of Higher Education and other relevant entities regarding the establishment of a college; and (x) such other issues as it deems necessary.

The direct costs of this study shall not exceed $12,900.

The Division of Legislative Services shall provide staff support for the study. Technical assistance shall be provided by the State Council of Higher Education and the staff of the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Finance Committee. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the joint subcommittee, upon request.

The joint subcommittee shall complete its work in time to submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2001 Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents.

Implementation of this resolution is subject to subsequent approval and certification by the Joint Rules Committee. The Committee may withhold expenditures or delay the period for the conduct of the study.