§18B-1C-1 Legislative findings and intent.
§18B-1C-1. Legislative findings and intent.
(a) The Legislature recognizes that:
(1) West Virginia University Institute of Technology is a vital part of higher education in West Virginia;
(2) The engineering program at West Virginia University Institute of Technology plays a significant role in the continued success of the students at the institution and of the state as a whole;
(3) The average salaries of faculty at West Virginia University Institute of Technology are significantly lower than the average salaries of faculty at West Virginia University;
(4) Facilities at West Virginia University Institute of Technology are in greater disrepair and in greater need of overall capital investment than are facilities at West Virginia University; and
(5) Collaboration between the engineering program of West Virginia University Institute of Technology, West Virginia University, Marshall University and other private partners as appropriate would:
(A) Lead to a greater understanding and knowledge of engineering research;
(B) Lead to greater opportunities for students to engage in research; and
(C) Result in greater opportunities for participating students to find gainful employment in future research or to continue graduate level research and study.
(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to encourage collaboration between West Virginia University Institute of Technology, West Virginia University, Marshall University and appropriate private entities to provide significant education opportunities to students.
(c) It is specifically the intent of the Legislature that:
(1) The baccalaureate engineering program offered at the West Virginia University Institute of Technology be and remain a permanent component of its curriculum;
(2) Collaboration in engineering and other appropriate programs occur between West Virginia University Institute of Technology, West Virginia University, Marshall University and appropriate private entities pursuant to section three of this article; and
(3) The West Virginia University Board of Governors develop a plan and take appropriate steps to address faculty average salary levels. In developing the plan, the board may consider the unique mission of the division and the performance expectations for faculty in meeting the goals of the institution. The plan also shall include recommendations for addressing the capital improvement needs at West Virginia University Institute of Technology.