SD16 - Interim Report: Public Funding of Higher Education in Virginia


Executive Summary:
In adopting Senate Joint Resolution 74, the 2004 General Assembly established a two-year joint subcommittee to study "Public Funding of Higher Education in Virginia." The study resolution outlined a broad array of issues for the joint subcommittee to explore, including:

• alternatives to the current formulas and methods used by the Commonwealth to fund institutions of higher education;

• alternatives for paying for a college education including, but not limited to, interest-free loans guaranteed by the Commonwealth;

• the efficacy and appropriateness of delivering degree programs through distance learning; and

• access to Virginia institutions of higher education by residents of the Commonwealth, including the feasibility of guaranteeing placement at a four-year institution of higher education in the Commonwealth for certain graduates of Virginia's community colleges satisfying an agreed upon curriculum and grade point average.

The resolution also directs the joint subcommittee to submit interim recommendations to the General Assembly no later than the first day of the 2005 session.

Due in part to the late adjournment of the 2004 General Assembly, the subcommittee did not hold its first meeting until December 1, 2004. Although I am pleased to report that this meeting provided a good overview of issues before the subcommittee, the group has had insufficient time to explore these areas in detail or develop interim recommendations for consideration by the 2005 General Assembly.

In an effort to ensure that we remain on task to deliver final recommendations to the 2006 General Assembly, the subcommittee members have organized into three workgroups. Over the next few months, I anticipate these workgroups will develop detailed work plans to guide our work over the coming year and a timeline for delivering specific policy recommendations prior to the start of the 2006 General Assembly session. The attached organizational memorandum provides additional information on the progress the joint subcommittee has made to date and our expectations for the coming months.