An Act to reorganize public post-secondary education in the District of Columbia, establish a Board of Trustees, authorize and direct the Board of Trustees to consolidate the existing local institutions of public postsecondary education into a single Land-Grant University of the District of Columbia, direct the board of Trustees to administer the University of the District of Columbia, and for other purposes.
PL 93-471 (H.R.15643), enacted 10/26/1974

88 STAT. ] 
PUBLIC LAW 93-471-OCT. 26, 1974 
1423 
Public Law 93-471 
AN A C T 
October 26, 1974 
To reorganize public postsecondary education in the District of Columbia, estab- 
[H. R. 15643] 
lish a Board of Trustees, authorize and direct the Board of Trustees to con-
solidate the existing local institutions of public postsecondary education into 
a single Land-Grant University of the District of Columbia, direct the Board 
of Trustees to administer the University of the District of Columbia, and for 
other purposes. 
Be it enacted hy the Senate and House of Representatives 
of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled. 
, ^?!*"^* °/. ^°" 
•' 
if 
^ 
lumbia Public 
Postsecondary 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
Education Re or-
ganization Act. 
TITLE I—SHORT TITLE, PURPOSE, AND DEFINITIONS 
Sec. 101. Short title. 
Sec. 102. Statement of purpose. 
Sec. 103. Definitions. 
TITLE II—BOARD OF TRUSTEES 
Sec. 201. Membership. 
Sec. 202. Suspension and removal. 
Sec. 203. Compensation. 
Sec. 204. The University of the District of Columbia. 
Sec. 205. Duties of the Trustees. 
Sec. 206. Personnel System. 
Sec. 207. Transfer of functions, assets, and liabilities. 
Sec. 208. Establishment of Land-Grant University. 
Sec. 209. State consent. 
TITLE III—AUTHORIZATIONS 
Sec. 301. Authorization of appropriations. 
TITLE IV—MISCELLANEOUS 
Sec. 401. Meetings. 
Sec. 402. Advisory Committees. 
Sec. 403. Gifts and contributions. 
Sec. 404. Annual report. 
Sec. 405. New authority granted Board of Education. 
Sec, 406. Authority of Council. 
Sec. 407. Effective date. 
TITLE I—SHOET TITLE, PURPOSES, AND DEFINITIONS 
SHORT TITLE 
SEC. 101. This Act may be cited as the "District of Columbia Fublic ^^Qf;,^,°'^^ ^^' 
Postsecondary Education Reorganization Act". 
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE 
SEC. 102. It is the intent of Congress to authorize a public land-grant ^^Q-^- ^°'^^ ^^' 
university through the reor<ranization of the existing local institutions 
of public postsecondary education in the District of Columbia. It is 
the clear and specific intent of the Congress that vocational and tech-
nological education, as well as liberal arts, sciences, teacher education, 
and graduate and postgraduate studies, within the University be 
given at all times its proper priority in terms of funding with other 
units within the University, and that the land-grant funds be utilized 
by the University in accordance with the provisions of the Act of 
July 2,1862 (7 U.S.C. 301-305, 307, 308) (known as the First Morrill 
Act). 
1424 
PUBLIC LAW 93-471-OCT. 26, 1974 
[88 STAT. 
DEFINITIONS 
D.C. Code 31 
1702. 
D.C. Code 
l-121note. 
12 u s e 1813. 
SEC. 103. For the purposes of this Act— 
(a) The term "Trustees" means the Board of Trustees established 
under title I I of this Act. 
(b) The term "President" means the chief executive and admin-
istrative officer of the University. 
(c) The term "University" means the University of the District of 
Columbia authorized and directed to be established under title I I of 
this Act. 
(d) The term "Provost" means the academic and administrative 
head of each of the several colleges of the University. 
(e) The term "Mayor" means the Mayor of the District of Columbia 
established by section 421 of the District of Columbia Self-Government 
and Governmental Reorganization Act. 
(f) The term "Council" means the Council of the District of Colum-
bia established by section 401 of the District of Columbia Self-
Government and Governmental Reorganization Act. 
(g) The term "Board of Higher Education" means the Board of 
Higher Education established under section 102 of the District of 
Columbia Public Education Act (D.C. Code, sec. 31-1602). 
(h) The term "Vocational Board" means the Board of Vocational 
Education established under section 202 of the District of Columbia 
Public Education Act (D.C. Code, sec. 31-1622). 
(i) The term "Board" means the District of Columbia Board of 
Education established under section 303 of the Elected-Board of 
82 Stat. 101. 
Education Act (D.C. Code, sec. 31--101). 
(j) The term "financial institution" means an insured bank as 
defined in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, or a savings 
and loan association as defined in section 401 of the National Housing 
12 u s e 1724. 
A c t . 
TITLE II—BOARD OF TRUSTEES 
MEMBERSHIP 
th^DLTac^of 
^^^' 2^^- (^) T^®^^ ^^ hereby authorized to be established a Uni-
co^iumbi".'^ 
versity of the District of Columbia, which shall be an independent 
Establishment, 
ageucy of the District of Columbia government, and which shall be 
D.C. Code 31- 
governed by a Board of Trustees consisting of fifteen members selected 
according to the provisions of this section: 
(1) Twelve members nominated by the Mayor, one of whom shall 
be a full-time student at the District of Columbia Teachers College, 
or the Federal City College, or the Washington Technical Institute. 
Except for the student member, the nominees under this subsection 
shall be subject to Council confirmation. 
(2) One member of the Trustees appointed by the Alumni Asso-
ciation of the District of Columbia Teachers College, with notice 
thereof to the Mayor within forty-five days after the effective date 
of this Act. 
(3) One member of the Trustees appointed by the Alumni Associa-
tion of the Federal City College, with notice thereof to the Mayor 
within forty-five days after the effective date of this Act. 
(4) One member of the Trustees appointed by the Alumni Asso-
ciation of the Washington Technical Institute, with notice thereof to 
the Mayor within forty-five days after the effective date of this Act. 
(5) In the event the alumni associations referred to in subsections 
(2), (3), and (4) of this section fail to submit an appointee within 
the time specified, the Mayor shall make the appointment. 
88 STAT. ] 
PUBLIC LAW 93-471-OCT. 26, 1974 
1425 
(6) As the initial terms of the alumni members expire, the three 
Terms. 
alumni trustees shall be appointed by the Alumni Association of the 
University or the Mayor if no alumni association of such University 
exists. 
(b) All nominations and appointments under this section shall be 
made not later than August 2, 1975. The terms of the members of 
existing Boards shall terminate on the day that the Trustees amiounce 
the consolidation has been effectuated, but in no event shall the terms 
terminate later than June 30,1976. 
(c) The Trustees shall hold the first meeting no later than Septem-
ber 2, 1975. The first meeting of the Trustees shall be convened by a 
member of the Trustees designated by the Mayor. 
(d) The student member of the Trustees shall serve a one-year term 
of office; all other Trustees may be selected to serve one successive 
term. 
(e) The terms of nonstudent Trustees shall be determined by lots 
cast at the first meeting of the Trustees, with the initial lots to 
provide: 
(1) three shall serve terms of two years; 
(2) three shall serve terms of three years; 
(3) three shall serve terms of four years; and 
(4) five shall serve terms of five years. 
(f) Any Trustee selected to fill a vacancy shall be selected only for 
vacancies. 
the remainder of the term for which his predecessor was selected and 
in the same manner as the original selection. A Trustee may serve 
after the expiration of his term until his successor has qualified to take 
office. 
(g) A Chairman and Vice Chairman (1) shall be selected by the 
Trustees from among the District of Columbia resident members, (2) 
shall serve a one-year term as Chairman or Vice Chairman, (3) may 
be reappointed, and (4) cannot serve in such capacity beyond their 
term as member. 
(h) All members selected to the Trustees shall have been residents 
Residency. 
of the District of Columbia for the twelve consecutive months pre-
ceding the date of their selection except that the Mayor may nominate 
not more than four persons to the Trustees who are not residents of 
the District of Columbia if, in his judgment, their nominations would 
enhance the Trustees. 
(i) Members of the Trustees may be employees of the United States 
or of the District of Columbia government, unless they hold positions 
in clear conflict of interest. 
(j) The president of the University shall be an ex officio member of 
the Trustees. 
SUSPENSION AND REMOVAL 
SEC. 202. Any Trustee shall be automatically suspended from serv-
ing as such member after he has been found guilty of a felony by a 
court of competent jurisdiction. Upon a final determination of his 
guilt or innocence, the term of such member shall automatically 
terminate or be reinstated. 
D.C. Code 31-
1712. 
COMPENSATION 
SEC. 203. Trustees shall serve without compensation, but may be 
D C code 31-
reimbursed for their expenses, including per diem in lieu of sub- ^^^^• 
sistence, at the maximum rate equal to the daily equivalent provided 
for by grade 18 of the General Schedule established under section 
5332 of title 5 of the United States Code, with a limit of $4,000 per 
s use 5332 
annum, while actually engaged in service for the Trustees. 
note. 
1426 
PUBLIC LAW 93-471-OCT. 26, 1974 
[88 STAT. 
T H E UNIVERSITY OF T H E DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 
D.C. Code 31-
1714. 
SEC. 204. The Trustees shall, by June 30, 1976, consolidate the exist-
ing public institutions of postsecondary education in the District of 
Columbia into a single institution to be called the University of the 
District of Columbia, with several schools, colleges, institutes, cam-
puses, and units that ojffer a comprehensive program of public post-
secondary 
education. The institutions of 
public 
postsecondary 
education in the District of Columbia existing immediately prior to 
such consolidation shall be deemed abolished on the effective date of 
the consolidation. Thereafter, any reference in any law, rule, regula-
tion, or other document of the LTnited States or of the District of 
Columbia to such institutions shall be deemed to be a reference to the 
University of the District of Columbia. 
DUTIES OF T H E BOARD OF TRUSTEES 
D.C. Code 31- 
SEC. 205. It shall be the duty of the "Trustees to— 
^^^^' 
(a) Review the existing public institutions of postsecondary 
education with respect to (1) accreditation, (2) present programs 
and functions, and (3) actual and potential capabilities. Those 
institutions and programs within such institutions that are deter-
mined to be sound and valid shall be used as a basis for the several 
schools, colleges, institutes, campuses, and units of the University, 
which shall include but not be limited to programs of science and 
technology, including but not limited to environmental sciences, 
liberal and fine arts, vocational and technical education and pro-
fessional studies, including graduate programs, and postgraduate 
programs. 
(b) Establish or approve policies and procedures governing 
admissions, curriculums, programs, graduation, the awarding of 
degrees, and general policymaking for the units of the University. 
^'"'^s^*- 
(c) Prepare and submit to the Mayor, on a date fixed by the 
Mayor, an annual budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 
1977. Such budget shall include a proposed financial operating 
plan for such fiscal year, and a capital and educational improve-
ments plan for such fiscal year and the succeeding four fiscal 
years for the University. The Mayor and the Council shall estab-
lish the maximum amount of funds which will be allocated to the 
Trustees for Higher Education, but may not specify the purposes 
for which such funds may be expended or the amount of such 
funds which may be expended for the various programs under the 
jurisdiction of the Trustees. 
T^^iTtf^r^ ^P' 
(d) The Trustees may transfer, during the fiscal year, any 
" ' ° '""" 
appropriation balance available for one item of appropriation 
to another item of appropriation or to a new program, in an 
amount not to exceed $50,000. 
(e) Enter into negotiations and binding contracts pursuant to 
Council regulations regarding contracting with the governments 
of the United States and District of Columbia and other public 
and private agencies to render and receive services. 
(f) Enter into negotiations and binding contracts pursuant to 
Council regulations to perform organized research, training, and 
demonstrations on a reimbursable basis for the United States and 
the government of the District of Columbia and other public and 
private agencies. 
(g) Fix tuition for students attending the University with tui-
tion charges to nonresidents being fixed as far as is feasible in 
amounts comparable to nonresident charges made by similar 
institutions. 
propriations. 
88 STAT. ] 
PUBLIC LAW 93-471-OCT. 26, 1974 
1427 
(h) Fix fees, in addition to tuition, to be paid by resident and 
Fees. 
nonresident students attending the University. Keceipts from 
these fees shall be deposited in a revolving fund in one or more 
financial institutions in the District of Columbia, and shall be 
available, when appropriated, for such purposes as the Trustees 
shall approve, without fiscal year limitation. 
(i) Select, appoint, and fix the compensation for a President 
compensation. 
of the University and Provosts of the units of the University, 
and approve the appointment and compensation of such other 
officers as it deems necessary, including legal counsel, except that 
in no case shall any such compensation be fixed in an amount in 
excess of that provided for the Mayor unless specifically author-
ized by legislative act of the Council. 
(j) Procure temporary and intermittent services to the same 
extent as is authorized by section 3109 of title 5, United States 
Code, but at daily rates for individuals not in excess of the maxi-
mum daily rate for GS-18 of the General Schedule under section 
5332 of such title. 
no^te"^^ "^^ 
(k) Develop and define a policy governing academic freedom 
for the University and establish mechanisms to ensure its 
enforcement. 
(1) Perform such other duties as may be necessary to carry 
out the purposes of this Act. 
PERSONNEL SYSTEM 
SEC. 206. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the ^^{^- *^°*^^ ^^" 
Trustees are hereby authorized to establish, not earlier than one year 
and not later than five years after the effective date of this section, a 
personnel system (setting forth minimum standards) for all employ-
ees of units, facilities, and programs of the University, including, but 
not limited to, pay, contract terms, leave, residence, retirement, health 
and life insurance, employee disability, and death benefits, all at least 
equal to those provided by legislation enacted by Congress, or regula-
tions adopted pursuant thereto, and applicable to such officers and 
employees immediately prior to the effective date of the system estab-
lished pursuant to this section. Any provision in the personnel system 
established by the Trustees under this section requiring employees to 
be residents of the District of Columbia shall apply only to employees 
hired after the effective date of such system. 
(b) The personnel policies of the Trustees shall incorporate Execu-
tive Order Numbered 70-229 of the Commissioner of the District of 
Columbia, as implemented by chapter 25A of the District Personnel 
Manual, or similar policies developed by the Trustees to guarantee 
collective-bargaining rights of employees subject to this section. 
(c) Personnel legislation in effect prior to the establishment by the 
Trustees of such system, including without limitation, legislation 
relating to appointments, promotions, discipline, separation pay, 
unemployment compensation, health disability and death benefits, 
leave, retirement, insurance, and veterans preference applicable to 
such employees, shall continue to be applicable until such time as the 
Trustees shall, pursuant to this section, provide for coverage under 
a new personnel system. 
(d) All actions affecting such personnel and such members shall, 
until such time as a personnel system is established by the Trustees 
superseding such laws and establishing a permanent personnel system 
for all employees of the University continue to be subject to the pro-
visions of Acts of Congress relating to the appointment, promotion, 
discipline, separation, and other conditions of employment applicable 
to officers and employees of the District government, and where appli-
1428 
PUBLIC LAW 93-471-OCT. 26, 1974 
[88 STAT. 
cable, to the provisions of the joint agreement between the Commis-
sioners and the Civil Service Commission authorized by Executive 
Order Numbered 5491 of November 18, 1930, relating to the appoint-
ment of District personnel. 
D.C. Code 31-
1717. 
D.C. Code 31-
1718. 
TRANSFER OP FUNCTIONS, ASSETS, AND LIABILITIES 
SEC. 207. The Board of Higher Education and the Vocational Board 
shall be abolished on the day the Trustees announce that the consoli-
dation has been effectuated, but in no event shall the Boards be 
abolished later than June 30, 1976. Except as provided by this Act 
all functions, powers, and duties of the Board of Higher Education 
and the Vocational Board under the District of Columbia Public 
Education Act of 1966 (D.C. Code, sec. 31-1601) shall be vested in 
and exercised by the Trustees. All employees, property (real and per-
sonal), and unexpended balances (available or to be made available) 
of appropriations, allocations, and all other funds and assets and 
liabilities of the Board of Higher Education and Vocational Board 
are authorized to be transferred to the Trustees, except the functions 
of licensing institutions to confer degrees as authorized by Public 
Law 89-791 (D.C. Code, sec. 29-415). 
ESTABLISHMENT OF LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITY 
SEC. 208. (a) In the administration of— 
(1) the Act of August 30,1890 (7 U.S.C. 321-326,328) (known 
as the Second Morrill Act), 
(2) the tenth paragraph under the heading "Emergency 
Appropriations" in the Act of March 4, 1907 (7 U.S.C. 322) 
(known as the Nelsen amendment), 
(3) section 22 of the Act of June 29, 1935 (7 U.S.C. 329) 
(known as the Bankhead-Jones Act), 
(4) the Act of March 4, 1940 (7 U.S.C. 331), and 
(5) the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621-
1627), the University shall be considered to be a university estab-
lished for the benefit of agriculture and the mechanic arts in 
accordance with the provisions of the Act of July 2,1862 (7 U.S.C. 
301-305, 307, 308) (known as the First Morrill Act); and the 
term "State" as used in the laws and provisions of law listed in 
the preceding paragraphs of this section shall include the District 
of Columbia. 
(b) In the administration of the Act of Jilay 8,1914 (7 U.S.C. 341-
346, 347a-349) (known as the Smith-Lever Act)— 
(1) the University shall be considered to be a university estab-
lished for the benefit of agriculture and the mechanic arts in 
accordance Avith the provisions of the Act of July 2,1862 (7 U.S.C. 
301-305, 307, 308); and 
(2) the term "State" as used in such Act of May 8, 1949, shall 
include the District of Columbia, except that the District of 
Columbia shall not be eligible to receive any sums appropriated 
under section 3 of such Act. 
(c) In lieu of an authorization of appropriations for the District 
of Columbia under section 3 of such Act of May 8, 1914, there is 
authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to provide 
cooperative agricultural extension work in the District of Columbia 
under such Act. Such sums may be used to pay no more than one-half 
of the total cost of providing such extension work. Any reference in 
such Act (other than section 3 thereof) to funds appropriated under 
such Act shall in the case of the District of Columbia be considered 
a reference to funds appropriated under this subsection. 
88 STAT. ] 
PUBLIC LAW 93-471-OCT. 26, 1974 
1429 
(d) Four per centum of the sums appropriated under subsection (c) 
for each fiscal year shall be allotted to the Federal Extension Service 
of the Department of Agriculture for administrative, technical, and 
other services provided by the Service in carrying out the purposes of 
this section. 
(e) The second sentence of the first section of the Act of March 2, 
1887 (7 U.S.C. 361a-361i) is amended by inserting "(including the 
District of Columbia)" immediately after "the several States". 
STATE CONSENT 
SEC. 209. The enactment of this Act shall, as respects the District ^^D^C. code 31-
of Columbia, be deemed to satisfy any requirement of State consent 
contained in any of the laws or provisions of law referred to in 
section 208. 
TITLE III—AUTHOKIZATIONS 
SEC. 301. (a) There are authorized to be appropriated out of any 
^.c. code 31-
money in the Treasury to the credit of the District of Columbia such ^^^^' 
sums as may be necessary for carrying out the purpose of this Act. 
(b) The President is authorized to provide for the expenditure in 
amounts not to exceed $2,000 of funds for such purposes as may be 
deemed necessary within limits that may be specified in annual appro-
priations. The President shall be personally responsible for the expend-
iture of appropriations made pursuant to this section, and such 
expenditures shall be supported by voucher's and shall be audited by 
the District of Columbia Auditor. 
TITLE IV—MISCELLANEOUS 
MEETINGS 
SEC. 401. Meetings may be called by the Chairman or a majority j °j*-^- *^°'^^ ^^" 
of the members of the Trustees. No official action may be taken by 
the Trustees except at a meeting of the Trustees at which a quorum 
is present. Eight members shall constitute a quorum but a lesser num-
ber may hold hearings. Each meeting of the Trustees shall be open to 
the public and held in the District of Columbia with appropriate 
notice of each such meeting given to the general public, except a 
majority of the Trustees may elect to go into executive session to take 
action on personnel matters. 
ADVISORY COMMITTEES 
SEC. 402. The Trustees shall appoint such advisory committees as 
necessary to advise on educational policy. Such advisory committees 
may consist of members of the Trustees, students, faculty members, 
parents, governmental, educational, business, industrial, labor, and 
community representatives. 
GIFTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS 
SEC. 403. The Trustees may accept services and moneys, including 
gifts or endowments, from any source whatsoever, for use in carrying 
out the purposes of this Act. Such moneys, including income derived 
from any such gift or endowment, shall be deposited in the Treasury 
of the United States to the credit of a trust fund account which is 
hereby authorized and may be invested and reinvested as trust funds 
of the District of Columbia. The disbursement of the moneys from 
such trust funds, when appropriated, shall be in such amounts, to such 
D.C. Code 
31-
1732. 
D.C. 
Code 
31-
1733. 
1430 
PUBLIC LAW 93-472-OCT. 26, 1974 
[88 STAT. 
extent, and in such manner as the Trustees, in their judgment, may 
determine necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. 
ANNUAL REPORT 
D.C. 
Code 
31-
1734. 
D.C. 
Code 31-
1735. 
SEC. 404. The Trustees shall make an annual report to the Congress, 
Mayor, Council, and the general public, on November 1 of each year, 
on the operation of programs and the expenditure of all funds for 
public higher education in the District of Columbia. 
NEW AUTHORITY GRANTED BOARD OF EDUCATION 
SEC. 405. (a) The Board may transfer, during the fiscal year, any 
appropriation balance available for one item of appropriation to 
another item of appropriation or to a new program, in an amount 
not to exceed $50,000. 
(b) The Board may enter into negotiations and binding contracts 
pursuant to Council regulations regarding contracting with the gov-
ernments of the United States and District of Columbia and other 
public and private agencies to render and receive services. 
AUTHORITY OF COUNCIL 
17^6^ 
° e 31- 
g^^ ^Qg ^Notwithstanding any other provision of law, or any rule 
of law, nothing in this Act shall be construed as limiting the authority 
of the Council to enact any act or resolution, after January 2, 1975, 
pursuant to the District of Columbia Self-Government and Govern-
mental Eeorganization Act with respect to any matter covered by this 
Act. 
EFFECTIVE DATE 
D.C. Code 31-
1701 note. 
D.C. Code 
1-121 note. 
SEC. 407. This Act shall take effect July 1,1975, unless the Council, 
after January 2, 1975, adopts legislation, in accordance with the 
District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganiza-
tion Act, repealing this Act prior to July 1,1975. In any case in which 
the Council adopts any such legislation amending or otherwise 
modifying this Act (other than its repeal), the foregoing provisions 
of this Act as so amended or modified shall take effect on July 1,1975, 
unless the Council provides, by such legislation, for an effective date 
other than that provided by this section, in which case this Act, as so 
amended or modified take effect on the date prescribed by such 
legislation of the Council. 
Approved October 26, 1974. 
Public Law 93-472 
October 26, 1974 
AN ACT 
—[H. R- 15540] 
rp^ extend for one year the authorization for appropriations to implement title I 
of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972. 
Be it enacted hy the /Senate and House of Representatives 
of the, 
United States of America in Congress assembled^ That section 111 
of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 
33 use 1420. 
(Public Law 92-532; 86 Stat. 1052) is amended by striking "fiscal 
year 1974," and inserting in lieu thereof "fiscal years 1974 and 1975,". 
Approved October 26, 1974.