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2023 SESSION

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CHAPTER 758 An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 3 of Chapter 9 of Title 23.1 a section numbered 23.1-906.1, relating to public institutions of higher education; degree programs; integration of internship or work-based learning experiences; policies. [S 1280] Approved April 12, 2023

 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 3 of Chapter 9 of Title 23.1 a section numbered 23.1-906.1 as follows:

§ 23.1-906.1. Degree programs; integration of internship or work-based learning experiences; policies.

The governing board of each baccalaureate public institution of higher education shall adopt policies requiring that participation in an internship or work-based learning experience be integrated into a student's degree program so as not to extend the time to complete the degree.

2. That the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia shall convene a work group for the purpose of making recommendations on the development, adoption, and implementation of the policies required pursuant to this act. In making its recommendations, the work group shall (i) first prioritize internship experience and next prioritize degree-related work-based learning experience to fulfill the requirement of the policies developed pursuant to § 23.1-906.1 of the Code of Virginia, as created by this act, but also permit non-degree work-based learning experience to fulfill the requirement of such policies; (ii) provide a structure for non-degree work-based learning experiences that will enable the development of successful workforce skills; (iii) determine the viability of and costs associated with setting a minimum number of essential work hours to be equivalent to a minimum of three Carnegie credits and to the maximum extent practicable applying such credits toward the total credits required for the completion of a bachelor's degree; (iv) consider what criteria in experiential learning might meet the definition of work-based learning experience; and (v) define exceptions to the policies developed pursuant to § 23.1-906.1 of the Code of Virginia, as created by this act. The work group shall submit its recommendations to the Chairmen of the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education and Health no later than June 30, 2024.

3. That the provisions of the first enactment of this act shall not become effective unless the work group convened pursuant to the second enactment of this act determines that the adoption of the policies required by § 23.1-906.1 of the Code of Virginia, as created by this act, is logistically and fiscally viable for each baccalaureate public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth, and in the event that such work group makes such determination, the provisions of the first enactment of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2025.