53B-17-102 - Utah Education Network.
53B-17-102. Utah Education Network.
(1) (a) As used in this part, "Utah Education Network" and "UEN" mean a consortiumand partnership between public and higher education established to:
(i) coordinate and support the telecommunications needs of public and higher education;
(ii) coordinate the various telecommunications technology initiatives of public andhigher education;
(iii) provide high-quality, cost-effective Internet access and appropriate interfaceequipment for schools and school systems;
(iv) procure, install, and maintain telecommunication services and equipment on behalfof public and higher education;
(v) develop or implement other programs or services for the delivery of distance learningas directed by law; and
(vi) apply for state and federal funding on behalf of public and higher education.
(b) In performing the duties under this Subsection (1), UEN shall:
(i) provide services to schools, school districts, and the public and higher educationsystems through an open and competitive bidding process;
(ii) work with the private sector to deliver high-quality, cost-effective services; and
(iii) avoid duplicating facilities, equipment or services of private providers of publictelecommunications service, as defined under Section 54-8b-2.
(2) The University of Utah shall provide administrative management for UEN.
(3) (a) The governor shall appoint a statewide steering committee of representatives frompublic and higher education, state government, and private industry to advise UEN in thedevelopment and operation of a coordinated, statewide, multi-option telecommunications systemto assist in the delivery of educational services throughout the state.
(b) Except as required by Subsection (3)(c), members shall be appointed to four-yearterms.
(c) Notwithstanding the requirements of Subsection (3)(b), the governor shall, at the timeof appointment or reappointment, adjust the length of terms to ensure that the terms of committeemembers are staggered so that approximately half of the committee is appointed every two years.
(d) When a vacancy occurs in the membership for any reason, the replacement shall beappointed for the unexpired term.
(4) A member may not receive compensation or benefits for the member's service, butmay receive per diem and travel expenses in accordance with:
(a) Section 63A-3-106;
(b) Section 63A-3-107; and
(c) rules made by the Division of Finance pursuant to Sections 63A-3-106 and63A-3-107.
(5) UEN shall locate and maintain educational telecommunication infrastructurethroughout the state.
(6) Educational institutions shall manage site operations under policy established byUEN.
(7) Subject to future budget constraints, the Legislature shall provide an annualappropriation to operate UEN.
Amended by Chapter 286, 2010 General Session