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_ 238 Item Details($) Appropriations($) ITEM 132. First Year Second Year First Year Second Year FY2025 FY2026 FY2025 FY2026 not be construed to prevent the release of a social security number to the U.S. Census, U.S. Education Department, or other agency of the federal government, by the State Council of Higher Education for the purposes of data-matching to improve knowledge of the outcomes of education programs of the Commonwealth, including, but not limited, to earnings and education-related debt. In addition, the office of the workforce development advisor shall also have access to wage records collected by the Council. K. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia shall collect annual dues on behalf of Virginia Sea Grant to support its operational costs. The Council shall make payments out of nongeneral funds in this appropriation to Virginia Sea Grant, and shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with Virginia Sea Grant to define fiscal responsibilities and establish reimbursement rates and processes for the delivery of services. L.1. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, in consultation with staff from the House Appropriations and Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, Department of Planning and Budget, Secretary of Finance and Secretary of Education, as well as representatives of public higher education institutions, shall review financial aid awarding practices and tuition discounting strategies. 2. The Council shall review current state financial aid awarding policies and make recommendations to: (1) appropriately prioritize and address affordability for low- and middle-income students; (2) increase program efficiency and effectiveness in meeting state goals that align with The Virginia Plan; and (3) simplify communication and improve student understanding of eligibility criteria. The review shall also: (1) assess financial aid by income level and the utilization and reporting of tuition revenue used for financial aid and unfunded scholarships; and (2) consider the pros and cons of authorizing remittance of tuition and fees for merit scholarships for students of high academic achievement. M.1. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia shall develop a plan for implementing a statewide survey on institutional expenditures by program and academic discipline at Virginia's public institutions to determine the effectiveness of spending related to the attainment of state and institutional goals and inform strategic decision-making. 2. The Council may review existing reporting capacities and other state examples of cost analysis by program and academic discipline in higher education to: (1) determine the Council's current capacity to conduct the survey; (2) determine any additional staff and financial support necessary for conducting such a survey; (3) determine the potential for long- range cost containments; and (4) detail a plan for survey implementation. N. Out of this appropriation, $250,000 the first year and $250,000 the second year from the general fund is designated for the Guidance to Postsecondary Success program. The program coordinates statewide efforts to increase college access and student success. O. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, in fulfilling the requirements under § 23.1-1304, Code of Virginia, may use online training modules that expand training beyond the initial orientation for Boards of Visitor members. P. Out of this appropriation, $500,000 the first year and $500,000 the second year from the general fund is provided to support a mental health workforce pilot at institutions of higher education in consultation with the Virginia Health Care Foundation. The pilot shall support the costs of required supervision for graduates of Masters of Social Work and Masters of Counseling programs seeking licensure. Eligible institutions include public institutions of higher education operating in Virginia. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia shall report the outcomes of the pilot annually to the Governor and General Assembly. Q.1. As part of the biennial six-year financial plan required in the provisions of § 23.1-306, Code of Virginia, each public four-year institution of higher education, Richard Bland College, and the Virginia Community College System shall include in its six-year plan and amendments to its plan submitted to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) an official commitment and set of policies and practices to support freedom of expression and inquiry, free speech, academic freedom, and diversity of thought. 2. Each public four-year institution of higher education, Richard Bland College, and the Virginia Community College System shall also submit an annual report on freedom of