HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 78

(By Delegates Mezzatesta, Anderson, Manuel, Hall and Spencer)





Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to make a study of the feasibility and any effects, benefits, fiscal implications and advantages that would result from abolishing the university of West Virginia board of trustees and the board of directors of the state college system and creating a single higher education governing board for all state institutions of higher education; and of the significance and vitality of the role and function of the community college component of the higher education system and the adequacy of its representation by its governing board.

Whereas, The dual system of higher education governance may not operate equitably for all state institutions of higher education; and
Whereas, A single governing board for all state institutions of higher education may better represent the needs of each branch of the higher education system; and
Whereas, The tendency for conflict between the two governing bodies in a dual system of governance may impact negatively all branches of the higher education system; and
Whereas, The legislative process as it relates to the governance of the higher educaitoneducation system may be facilitated more expediciouslyexpeditiously if a single system of higher education governance were implemented; and
Whereas, The community college is a vital component of the system of higher education; and
Whereas, The community college system may not be sufficiently utilized in this state; and
Whereas, Utilization of community colleges in the system of higher education should be maximized and expanded; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to review, examine and study the feasibility and any effects, benefits, fiscal implications and advantages that would result from impact of abolishing the university of West Virginia board of trustees and the board of directors of the state college system and creating a single higher education governing board; and of the significance and vitality of the role and function of the community college component of the higher education system and the adequacy of its representation by its governing board, and to make recommendations to the Legislature regarding the same; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 1999, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.