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2022 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 145
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 14, 2022
Agreed to by the Senate, February 21, 2022
 

WHEREAS, pursuant to § 23.1-203 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 (i) reflects codified goals and objectives set out in §§ 23.1-309 and 23.1-1002 of the Code of Virginia; (ii) identifies a coordinated approach to state and regional goals; and (iii) emphasizes the future needs for higher education in the Commonwealth; and

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

WHEREAS, in executing its charge, SCHEV has collaborated successfully with its constituents and stakeholders to revise and update the statewide strategic plan, "Pathways to Opportunity: The Virginia Plan for Higher Education"; 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 as follows: "Virginia will advance equitable, affordable and transformative higher education and seeks to be the Best State for Education by 2030"; expressed a vision for higher education in the Commonwealth to be the "Best State for Education"; set three overarching goals for higher education in the Commonwealth: (i) equitable higher education – close access and completion gaps; (ii) affordable higher education – lower cost to students; and (iii) transformative higher education – expand prosperity"; 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, the General Assembly, institutions of higher education, and the public; and, be it

RESOLVED FINALLY, That the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia 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 2022 Regular Session, and shall be posted on the Virginia General Assembly's website.