1007.33  Site-determined baccalaureate degree access.--

(1)  The Legislature recognizes that public and private postsecondary educational institutions play essential roles in improving the quality of life and economic well-being of the state and its residents. The Legislature also recognizes that economic development needs and the educational needs of place-bound, nontraditional students have increased the demand for local access to baccalaureate degree programs. In some, but not all, geographic regions, baccalaureate degree programs are being delivered successfully at the local community college through agreements between the community college and 4-year postsecondary institutions within or outside of the state. It is therefore the intent of the Legislature to further expand access to baccalaureate degree programs through the use of community colleges.

(2)  A community college may enter into a formal agreement pursuant to the provisions of s. 1007.22 for the delivery of specified baccalaureate degree programs.

(3)  A community college may develop a proposal to deliver specified baccalaureate degree programs in its district to meet local workforce needs. The proposal must be submitted to the State Board of Education for approval. The community college's proposal must include the following information:

(a)  Demand for the baccalaureate degree program is identified by the workforce development board, local businesses and industry, local chambers of commerce, and potential students.

(b)  Unmet need for graduates of the proposed degree program is substantiated.

(c)  The community college has the facilities and academic resources to deliver the program.

The proposal must be submitted to the Council for Education Policy Research and Improvement for review and comment. Upon approval of the State Board of Education for the specific degree program or programs, the community college shall pursue regional accreditation by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Any additional baccalaureate degree programs the community college wishes to offer must be approved by the State Board of Education.

(4)  A community college may not terminate its associate in arts or associate in science degree programs as a result of the authorization provided in subsection (3). The Legislature intends that the primary mission of a community college, including a community college that offers baccalaureate degree programs, continues to be the provision of associate degrees that provide access to a university.