NC H1089

Establishes a 13-member Joint Legislative Study Commission on Online Higher Education with members appointed by the Speaker of the House (5), President Pro Tempore of the Senate (5), and Governor (1), plus designees from the University of North Carolina and North Carolina Community College System.

Directs the Commission to study the feasibility of creating an online university similar to Western Governors University, including analysis of current online offerings, tuition/fees, accessibility, affordability, quality, and student demand across University System and community college institutions.

Requires the Commission to evaluate 14 specific considerations including program types, governance, funding, faculty roles, admissions requirements, accreditation, and whether the online university should expand beyond North Carolina institutions.

Appropriates $70,000 from the General Fund for the Commission's expenses in the 2012-2013 fiscal year and requires submission of a final report to the General Assembly by the convening of the 2013 General Assembly.

Takes effect July 1, 2012.