SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 102

(By Senators Plymale, Edgell and Unger)

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[Originating in the Committee on Education.]


Requesting the Higher Education Policy Commission, West Virginia University and West Virginia State College, or University, as appropriate, study and make recommendations regarding provision of Cooperative Extension services in West Virginia through these public institutions of higher education.

Whereas, West Virginia University and West Virginia State College, or University, as appropriate, receive significant federal, state and local funding to provide Cooperative Extension services and programs throughout the state; and
Whereas, It is important that such funds be expended in a manner that offers the greatest benefit to the citizens of West Virginia with the least unnecessary duplication in programs and services; and
Whereas, The Higher Education Policy Commission is responsible for developing, establishing and implementing the public policy agenda and for defining the mission for state institutions of higher education under its jurisdiction consistent with that agenda; and
Whereas, It is to the benefit of the citizens of the state for West Virginia University and West Virginia State College, or University, as appropriate, to cooperate with the Higher Education Policy Commission in addressing issues regarding the following programs and services offered through Cooperative Extension:
1. Describe locations at which such programs and services are offered;
2. Provide information on funds expended for each program and service;
3. Explore all possible sources of public and private funding at all levels and identify ways in which services may be tailored to attract such funding;
4. Seek and identify opportunities for consolidation, economies and efficiencies in programs and services among West Virginia University, West Virginia State College, or University, as appropriate, and federal and local programs or agencies; and
5. Identify areas of unnecessary duplication of services and programs by regional and programmatic areas; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Legislature hereby requests West Virginia University and West Virginia State College, or University, as appropriate, study and make recommendations regarding provision of Cooperative Extension services in West Virginia through these public institutions of higher education; and, be it
Further Resolved, That West Virginia University and West Virginia State College, or University, as appropriate, are hereby requested to report to the Higher Education Policy Commission on their findings, conclusions and recommendations on these issues by November 1, 2004; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Higher Education Policy Commission is hereby requested to formulate recommendations to address the findings and issues contained herein and in the report prepared by West Virginia University and West Virginia State College, or University, as appropriate; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Higher Education Policy Commission is hereby requested to present its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations, to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance and the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability by the first day of February, 2005; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Presidents of West Virginia University and West Virginia State College, or University, as appropriate, the Chairpersons of the institutional Boards of Governors and the Chairperson and Chancellor of the Higher Education Policy Commission.