(a) The General Assembly acknowledges that the eVersity, an entirely online institution of higher education of the University of Arkansas system established by the actions of the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas and recognized by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, may:

(1) Offer certificate and degree programs in a manner that recognizes a systemic change from the traditional model for higher education; and

(2) Provide educational programs that meet the needs of an information-rich and technology-oriented population in a development-driven workforce era.

(b) A program of study offered by the eVersity shall have clearly defined expectations of students, including without limitations expectations concerning:

(1) Knowledge;

(2) Skills;

(3) Competencies; and

(4) Capacities for additional learning.

(c) To meet the needs of a changing workforce, graduates of the eVersity are required to demonstrate mastery, competency, and capabilities of the program area.

(d)

(1) The eVersity courses and degree programs shall be designed to require active participation and engagement of students in the learning process.

(2) The eVersity courses and degree programs will be supported by strong academic support services to enhance student success.

(e) To provide affordable educational opportunities, open educational resources shall be utilized to support course delivery to students.

(f) To keep courses and degree programs offered by the eVersity at affortable tuition levels while maintaining transparency and accountability, the eVersity is exempt from the following statutes that are not applicable to an entirely online institution of higher education:

(1) Section 6-60-204;

(2) Section 6-60-206 [repealed];

(3) Section 6-60-211;

(4) Section 6-60-303;

(5) Immunizations, § 6-60-501 et seq.;

(6) Textbooks and course materials, § 6-60-601 et seq.;

(7) Arkansas Higher Education Information System, § 6-60-901 et seq.;

(8) Sections 6-61-107 and 6-61-108;

(9) Section 6-61-123;

(10) Section 6-61-127;

(11) Section 6-61-130;

(12) Section 6-61-207;

(13) Sections 6-61-214 and 6-61-215;

(14) Sections 6-61-220 -- 6-61-222;

(15) Section 6-61-224;

(16) Sections 6-61-228 -- 6-61-230;

(17) Section 6-61-233;

(18) Productivity Enhancement for Undergraduate Higher Education Act, § 6-61-1301 et seq.;

(19) Sections 6-62-106 and 6-62-107;

(20) Section 6-63-104;

(21) Section 6-63-303;

(22) Section 6-63-307;

(23) Section 6-80-106; and

(24) Section 19-4-1604.