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2015 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 555
Endorsing the framework of the statewide strategic plan for higher education developed by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia as the Commonwealth's vision and plan for higher education. Report.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 4, 2015
Agreed to by the Senate, February 24, 2015

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to § 23-9.6:1 of the Code of Virginia, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (Council or SCHEV) is charged with the development of a statewide strategic plan for higher education that reflects the goals and objectives of the Virginia Higher Education Opportunity Act (Top Jobs Act) and the Restructured Higher Education Financial and Administrative Operations Act (Restructuring Act), identifies a coordinated approach to state and regional goals, and emphasizes the future needs for higher education in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, as the Commonwealth's coordinating agency, SCHEV is required to advocate for and promote the operation of an educationally and economically sound, vigorous, progressive, and coordinated system of higher education; lead state-level postsecondary strategic planning, policy development, and implementation based on research and analysis; facilitate collaboration among institutions of higher education to enhance quality and create operational efficiencies; and work with institutions and governing boards on board development; and

WHEREAS, in executing its charge, SCHEV has collaborated successfully with students and families; institutions of higher education; the pre-kindergarten through grade 12 education system; community organizations; local, regional, and state business leaders; and members and staff of the legislative and executive branches and has reviewed relevant data, projections, and documents, including the strategic plans of institutions of higher education, the six-year plans of public institutions of higher education, and the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission's reports on public higher education cost and efficiency in response to House Joint Resolution 108 (2012); and

WHEREAS, in fulfillment of its duty, the Council has approved a framework of mission, vision, goals, and strategies for the statewide strategic plan for higher education in the Commonwealth that is grounded in the Commonwealth's changing economy and demographics, its regional differences, and the current and future needs of its citizens for postsecondary education and training; and

WHEREAS, within this planning framework, SCHEV has articulated a mission for higher education in the Commonwealth ("advance postsecondary learning, research and public service that enhance the civic and financial health of the Commonwealth and the well-being of all its people"); expressed a vision for higher education in the Commonwealth ("transform the lives of Virginians, our communities and our Commonwealth"); set four overarching goals for higher education in the Commonwealth ("(i) provide affordable access for all; (ii) optimize student success for work and life; (iii) drive change and improvement through innovation and investment; and (iv) advance the economic and cultural prosperity of the Commonwealth and its regions"); and offered multiple tactical strategies for achieving each goal; and

WHEREAS, when uncertain state revenues and economic and technological disruption challenge the diversity, quality, and value of higher education in the Commonwealth, the Commonwealth must make strategic decisions guided by a shared vision and common goals; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the framework of the statewide strategic plan for higher education developed by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia as the Commonwealth's vision and plan for higher education be endorsed; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the  mission, vision, goals, and strategies for the statewide strategic plan for higher education be developed and approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia as the Commonwealth's vision and plan for higher education; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That such framework shall serve to guide the planning and resource allocation decisions of the General Assembly as the Commonwealth seeks to provide quality education and in-demand skills for a changing populace, as well as opportunities for economic development and job growth; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the mission, vision, goals, and strategies expressed in the statewide strategic plan framework also guide the development of the strategic plan and six-year plan at each public institution of higher education, as well as the agency plan for SCHEV, and that SCHEV report annually on the Commonwealth's progress toward achieving these goals and targets to the Governor, General Assembly, institutions of higher education, and the public; and, be it

RESOLVED FINALLY, That the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia shall submit annually to the Governor and the General Assembly an executive summary and a report of its findings and recommendations for publication as a House or Senate document. The executive summary and report shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports no later than the first day of each Regular Session of the General Assembly for six years, beginning with the 2016 Session, and shall be posted on the Virginia General Assembly's website.