SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5795

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 22, 1991

Brief Description:  Ceasing operations of the Tacoma branch campus of the University of Washington.

SPONSORS:Senators Rasmussen, Oke, Amondson, Barr and Hansen.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Staff:  Scott Huntley (786‑7421)

Hearing Dates:February 25, 1991

BACKGROUND:

Recent reports have shown that the Tacoma branch campus of the University of Washington is experiencing an under-enrollment problem.  There have also been recent reports of cost overruns at the branch campus.  It is argued that the decision to create an upper-division branch campus of the University of Washington in the Tacoma area should be revisited in light of these circumstances.

SUMMARY:

The University of Washington is directed to suspend all operations of the Tacoma branch campus until the Legislature takes specific action to resume such activities.  The university is to cease all operations and all activities toward site acquisition, facilities acquisition, and capital construction for the Tacoma branch campus.

The University of Washington, in coordination with the Higher Education Coordinating Board, will report to the Legislature by January 1, 1997 with plans, procedures, and recommendations for resuming the operations of the Tacoma branch campus.  Upon positive recommendation by the board and the university, the Legislature may take action to resume operating and capital activities at the Tacoma branch campus.

The University of Washington is directed to accept into its main campus programs all students of the Tacoma branch campus displaced by the cessation of branch campus operations.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested February 22, 1991

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.