§3226.  Learning centers; Jefferson Parish; Rapides Parish; Northeast Delta Learning Center; authorization

A.  The Board of Regents may establish a learning center as a consortium of existing institutions of postsecondary education to provide a comprehensive offering of college courses in Jefferson Parish with two locations.  One location shall be at or near the geographic center of the portion of the parish on the east bank of the Mississippi River and one shall be at or near the geographic center of the portion of the parish on the west bank of the Mississippi River.  The Board of Regents shall provide for the operation, management, and supervision of the learning center and ensure the cost-effective delivery of courses and programs to the area through the use of existing institutions and their offerings.

B.  The Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System or the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges, in cooperation with the Board of Regents, shall take such action as necessary to establish a means of awarding certificates and academic and occupational degrees in Jefferson Parish using the instructional resources of existing institutions.  Courses which lead to such certificates and academic or occupational degrees shall be offered no later than the fall semester of 1998.

C.  The Board of Regents may establish a learning center in Rapides Parish as a consortium of existing institutions of postsecondary education to ensure provision of a comprehensive offering of college courses and programs in Louisiana Economic Development District 6.  The Learning Center for Rapides Parish created by this Subsection shall be the successor to the University Center for Rapides Parish in existence prior to the enactment of this Subsection.  The Board of Regents shall take such actions as necessary to provide for the transfer to the Learning Center for Rapides Parish created by this Subsection of all funds, facilities, equipment, other property, and all other financial resources of or due to the former university center and to accomplish the purposes of this Subsection and provide for a smooth transition in implementing the provisions of this Subsection.  The Board of Regents shall provide for the operation, management, and supervision of the Learning Center for Rapides Parish and ensure the cost-effective delivery of courses and programs to the region through the use of existing institutions and their offerings.

D.(1)  The Board of Regents may establish a learning center as a consortium of existing institutions of postsecondary education and others to provide a comprehensive offering of college courses and other educational services in the Northwest Louisiana delta region to the residents of East Carroll, Madison, and Tensas parishes.  One location shall be at or near the geographic center of the parishes at 1005 W. Green Street or such other suitable location in Tallulah, Louisiana.  The Board of Regents shall, subject to the provisions of R.S. 17:3229 and 3229.1, be responsible for the operation, management, and supervision of the learning center and ensure the cost-effective delivery of courses and programs to the area through the use of existing institutions and their offerings.

(2)  The Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System and the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges, in cooperation with the Board of Regents, shall take such action as necessary to establish a means of awarding certificates and academic and occupational degrees in the Northeast Louisiana delta region using the instructional resources of existing institutions.

Acts 1997, No. 1369, §1, eff. July 1, 1997; Acts 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 151, §1, eff. July 1, 1999; Acts 2001, No. 1132, §1, eff. June 28, 2001; Acts 2004, No. 721, §1; Acts 2013, No. 220, §6, eff. June 11, 2013.

NOTE:  See Acts 1997, No. 1369, §§3, 4.

NOTE:  Re Subsection D, see Acts 2004, No. 721, §§3 and 4, which provide that the provisions of the Act do not become effective until appropriation of funds and until the state assumes full ownership of the property formerly known as Swanson Correctional Center for Youth-Madison Parish Unit facility at Tallulah.

NOTE:  See Acts 2003, No. 1225, §7, as amended by Acts 2004, No. 721, §§2 and 5, relative to the Northeast La. Delta Learning Center.

NOTE:  See Acts 2004, No. 721, §4, as amended by Acts 2005, No. 461, §1, relative to effectiveness of provisions of R.S. 17:3226 and relative to transfer of property.