HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 64

(By Delegates Mezzatesta and Williams)

(Originating in the Committee on Education)

[February 28, 2001]


Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to retain the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS), to conduct a comprehensive study of the state higher education system, and its progress in developing, focusing and improving the system since the enactment of Senate Bill 653, 2000 Regular Session.

Whereas, The enactment of Senate Bill 547, 1995 Regular Session, established five-year goals for higher education in West Virginia.
Whereas, The enactment of House Bill 3019, 1999 Regular Session, required a comprehensive study of higher education to be conducted, and NCHEMS was retained by the Legislature to conduct that study.
Whereas, Following several months of study and public hearings throughout the state, the NCHEMS study produced alarming findings and compelling recommendations for consideration by the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability and the Legislature.
Whereas, The Legislature enacted Senate Bill 653, Regular Session 2000, based primarily on the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the NCHEMS study.
Whereas, Senate Bill 653 altered the governance structure of higher education, and required a focus on services to citizens of the state rather than policies and procedures of institutions.
Whereas, A new governance and policy structure were instituted and a chancellor for higher education was employed in 2001.
Whereas, Significant variances have since occurred in many areas as stipulated by Senate Bill 653, and other variances are currently being contemplated including tuition and fee policy, peer allocation, and separation of policy established by the higher education policy commission from governance by institutional governing boards.
Whereas, Fiscal year 2002-2003 will mark the second year of the six-year Compact With Higher Education for the Future of West Virginia, as prescribed by Senate Bill 653, and it is therefore time to reengage NCHEMS to evaluate the progress of the state higher education system and its institutions in achieving the Goals for Postsecondary Education established in Senate Bill 653.
 WHEREAS, This evaluation is necessary for the Legislature to determine the level of progress, and whether the system and its institutions are making appropriate and adequate progress, toward meeting the Goals; determine whether redirection of focus or effort is necessary for institutions, presidents, governing boards, the policy commission or the chancellor; and identify aspects of implementation that have achieved or are achieving the desired results and do not require modification.
 WHEREAS, The Legislature finds that enacting significant, uncoordinated modifications to the higher education system or any of its components is premature absent a detailed, independent analysis by the entity on whose recommendations the goals and objectives of Senate Bill 653 were based.
 WHEREAS, Any significant change affecting funding, tuition and fees, peers, governance, and any other aspect of the Compact should by delayed until a comprehensive evaluation by NCHEMS has been completed, and conclusions and recommendations have been reported to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability and the Joint Standing Committees on Finance and Education.
 WHEREAS, The review study shall be coordinated and monitored by the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability or a subcommittee thereof, and shall be completed with recommendations reported by November 1, 2002; and
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to retain the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems to conduct a comprehensive study of the state higher education system, and its progress in developing, focusing and improving the system since the enactment of Senate Bill 653, 2000 Regular Session.
Further Resolved, That the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability report to the 2003 Regular Session of the Legislature, on the findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate the recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to retain the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems, 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.