University of Vermont-Vermont State Colleges Task Force

WHEREAS, Vermonters are fortunate to be served by strong institutions of post-secondary education, particularly our publicly-supported University of Vermont and Vermont State Colleges System; and

WHEREAS, a college education has become critically important to every Vermonter as we seek to compete in a more competitive global economy; and

WHEREAS, in these particularly challenging economic times, we must take steps to provide additional financial support to our post-secondary institutions and to call upon those institutions to be affordable and accessible to Vermonters who need education and skills to succeed in the 21st century; and

WHEREAS, the Governor’s Fiscal Year 2010 recommended budget includes a 20% increase in the State’s support of higher education; and

WHEREAS, with increased support comes an obligation to ensure that the recipients of that support are poised to provide Vermonters with the structure, administration and program offerings that are the most appropriate for the needs of Vermonters today; and

WHEREAS, a review of the delivery of educational services within the existing structures of the University of Vermont and the Vermont State Colleges is necessary to determine whether current system designs can be improved and bring greater value to the State’s investments and that of our students; and

WHEREAS, with a commitment to progress, we can establish a higher education system better positioned to meet the needs of the student bodies.

NOW THEREFORE, I, James H. Douglas, by virtue of the power vested in me as Governor, do hereby create a University of Vermont-Vermont State Colleges Task Force. The UVM-VSC Task Force shall be comprised of five members including the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the University of Vermont, ex officio, the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Vermont State Colleges, ex officio, and three public members appointed by the Governor. The Governor shall appoint the Chair. Administrative support shall be provided by the Agency of Administration. To the extent funds are available, public members may receive actual and necessary mileage reimbursement pursuant to 32 V.S.A. § 1010(e).

The Task Force shall be advisory to the Governor and shall examine the status of the University of Vermont and the Vermont State Colleges System and identify academic and administrative efficiencies that could be achieved through consolidation, re-design or other re-organization of the existing systems. In carrying out its duties and functions, the Task Force shall consult with representatives of all facets of Vermont secondary and post-secondary education and any other entity or individual that the Task Force determines necessary to carry out its responsibilities. The Task Force shall hold one or more public hearings to obtain input from Vermonters. The Task Force shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor on or before November 15, 2009.

This Executive Order shall take effect upon signing and shall expire on March 15, 2010 unless earlier repealed.

Witness my name hereunto subscribed and the Great Seal of the State of Vermont hereunto affixed at Montpelier this 12th day of March, 2009.

James H. Douglas, Governor

By the Governor:

Heidi M. Tringe, Secretary of Civil and Military Affairs

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 03-09