US Laws, Codes, Statutes & Cases

§18B-1C-2. West Virginia University Institute of Technology; division of West Virginia University.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this code to the contrary by the first day of July, two thousand seven, West Virginia University Institute of Technology shall merge and consolidate with West Virginia University and become a fully integrated division of West Virginia University. All administrative and academic units shall be consolidated with primary responsibility for direction and support assigned to West Virginia University. The advisory board previously appointed for West Virginia University Institute of Technology shall be known as the board of visitors and shall provide guidance to the division in fulfilling its mission. The chairperson of the board of visitors serves as an ex-officio, voting member of the West Virginia University Board of Governors.
(b) The fully integrated division formerly named West Virginia University Institute of Technology is hereafter named West Virginia University Institute of Technology. The headquarters of West Virginia University Institute of Technology shall remain in Montgomery, West Virginia.
(c) The provisions of this section do not affect the independent accreditation, administrative linkage or continued operation of The Community and Technical College at West Virginia University Institute of Technology under the jurisdiction and authority of the council.
(d) Auxiliary enterprises shall be incorporated into the West Virginia University auxiliary enterprise system. The West Virginia University Board of Governors shall determine if operations at West Virginia University Institute of Technology can be operated on a self-sufficient basis when establishing rates for auxiliary services and products.
(e) West Virginia University Institute of Technology has a strong reputation in engineering and other scientific disciplines. These programs shall be maintained, cultivated and emphasized further as its sustaining mission over the next decade.
(f) By the first day of April, two thousand seven, the West Virginia University Board of Governors shall develop and approve a plan to implement the provisions of this article. Beginning the first day of July, two thousand six, the board of governors may begin implementing appropriate changes in the operations of West Virginia University Institute of Technology to further the purposes of this article.
(g) By the first day of November, two thousand six, and annually thereafter for a period of four years, the West Virginia University Board of Governors shall prepare and submit a report to the commission and Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability on progress being made to implement the provisions of this article.
(h) The West Virginia University Board of Governors, in conjunction with the Board of Advisors of The Community and Technical College at West Virginia University Institute of Technology, shall conduct a study and report to the council by the first day of November, two thousand six. The study includes, but is not limited to, the following issues:
(1) An appropriate governance structure for the community and technical college;
(2) An appropriate name for the community and technical college; and
(3) The most effective and efficient mechanism to ensure that all essential conditions for the delivery of community and technical college education are met, including the most effective and efficient method for the community and technical college to obtain services.
The council shall review the study findings, conclusions and recommendations and report to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability by the first day of January, two thousand seven. The report of the council shall include a determination of the need for statutory change, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate the council's recommendations. West Virginia University Institute of Technology shall develop or maintain baccalaureate degree programs as a permanent component of its curriculum.