‘Resolve, To Provide Greater Collaboration and Coordination between the University of Maine System and the Maine Community College System’

‘Sec. 1. Postsecondary Education Collaboration and Coordination Council. Resolved: That the Postsecondary Education Collaboration and Coordination Council, referred to in this resolve as "the council," is established to examine opportunities for greater collaboration and coordination between the University of Maine System and the Maine Community College System. The council consists of 7 members appointed as set out in this section:

1. Two trustees from the Board of Trustees of the Maine Community College System selected by that board, one of whom must be appointed as a cochair of the council;

2. Two trustees from the Board of Trustees of the University of Maine System selected by that board, one of whom must be appointed as a cochair of the council;

3. The President of the Maine Community College System;

4. The Chancellor of the University of Maine System; and

5. A member of the State Board of Education with experience as a faculty member or administrator at a public college or university in the State, who may not be a current or former member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Maine System or the Board of Trustees of the Maine Community College System, appointed by the Governor.

All appointments under this section must be made within 30 days of the effective date of this resolve; and be it further

Sec. 2. Duties. Resolved: That the council shall examine opportunities for greater collaboration and coordination between the University of Maine System and the Maine Community College System. In conducting this examination, the council shall identify options and alternatives to the current governance system and administrative structure that can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the State's publicly supported postsecondary education system. The council shall also examine whether statutory or regulatory actions are needed to provide greater opportunities for collaboration and coordination; and be it further

Sec. 3. Report. Resolved: That the cochairs of the council shall jointly report the council's findings, recommendations and any suggested legislation to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs by February 15, 2012. The Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs may submit a bill to the Second Regular Session of the 125th Legislature related to the council's report.’