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An Act Authorizing the Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts To Confer the Degree of Doctor of Visual Arts
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas,  authorization by the Legislature is required for any institution of higher education to confer academic, educational, literary or professional degrees, upon the recommendation of the State Board of Education; and
Whereas,  the Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts has successfully applied to the State Board of Education for a recommendation of degree-granting authority; and
Whereas,  it is necessary to grant this authority in order that the Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts may begin offering degree programs for students beginning in the fall of 2007; and
Whereas,  the Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts must initiate immediately a federally required waiting period before the institute may apply for federal loans for students; and
Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. Degree. Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts, of Portland, is authorized to confer upon all who successfully complete its prescribed course of study the degree of Doctor of Visual Arts as is usually conferred by like institutions of higher learning.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.
 
SUMMARY
This bill authorizes the Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts to confer the degree of Doctor of Visual Arts upon students in accordance with the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, section 10704. On December 13, 2006 the State Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the institute's application to confer the degree and transmitted its recommendation to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs in accordance with the Department of Education's rules, Chapter 149. The bill is an emergency because the institute needs the authorization to initiate a federal waiting period prior to applying for federal loans for students.