An Act To Authorize Circus Conservatory of America To Grant Baccalaureate Degrees

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,  circus has historically been a dynamic feature of the American cultural landscape and is now increasingly being recognized as a sophisticated performing art internationally and in the United States; and

Whereas,  circus education and training environments attract and retain young, healthy and energetic populations to their communities; and

Whereas,  circus is a significant and growing entrepreneurial force in the global entertainment industry and the founders of Circus Conservatory of America have demonstrated a commitment to economic development; and

Whereas,  launching the first circus college in the United States promises to bring distinction to Maine in the international performing arts community and will add to the State's identity as a cultural destination; and

Whereas,  Circus Conservatory of America will offer education in the fields of performance, coaching, production and circus arts and intends to offer bachelor's degrees and needs to receive approval of degree-granting authority; and

Whereas,  it is necessary for the Legislature to grant this authority in order that the school may begin offering degrees for the school year beginning in September 2015; 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,

Sec. 1. Degree. Circus Conservatory of America, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State, may confer on all students who successfully complete its prescribed course of study the degrees of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts as are usually conferred by like institutions of higher education.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

summary

This bill authorizes Circus Conservatory of America to grant the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts.