Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Higher Education Committee |
HB 3126
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Authorizing certain community and technical colleges to award honorary baccalaureate degrees.
Sponsors: Representatives Carlyle and Springer.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/2/10
Staff: Andi Smith (786-7304).
Background:
Honorary Degrees.
Prior to 2009, Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Western Washington University, and The Evergreen State College were authorized to confer honorary bachelor's and master's degrees upon persons other than graduates of their universities in recognition of the person's learning or devotion to education, literature, art, or science. During the 2009 legislative session, the regional universities were authorized to confer honorary doctorates, in addition to the array of honorary awards previously authorized. Washington State University and the University of Washington may also confer honorary degrees without restriction as to level. Community and technical colleges are authorized to confer honorary associate of arts degrees.
Applied Bachelor Degrees.
Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees are designed for individuals who hold a technical associate degree. The BAS applies the technical course credits toward a baccalaureate degree in management, in advanced levels in the technical area, or in both management and the technical area. With passage of House Bill 1794 in 2005, the Legislature authorized the development of up to four pilot programs that would allow the community and technical colleges to award the BAS degree. The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges selected four pilot programs and in July 2006, the Higher Education Coordinating Board approved four BAS programs to be offered by the community and technical colleges that began enrolling students in 2007. In 2008, the Legislature passed Substitute Senate Bill 5104 and authorized expansion of applied baccalaureate programs to three additional community and technical colleges that began enrolling students in fall 2009. The 2009-11 operating budget authorized Bellevue College to offer an additional BAS program in Interior Design.
Currently, community and technical colleges offer eight applied bachelor degrees at seven pilot colleges:
Bellevue College – Bachelor of Applied Science in Radiation and Imaging Sciences, and Bachelor of Applied Arts in Interior Design.
Columbia Basin College – Bachelor of Applied Management.
Lake Washington Technical College – Bachelor of Technology in Applied Design.
Olympic College – Bachelor of Science Nursing Peninsula College, and Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management.
Seattle Central Community College –Bachelor of Applied Behavioral Science.
South Seattle Community College – Bachelor of Applied Science in Hospitality Management.
Summary of Bill:
Community and technical colleges that offer bachelor degrees are authorized to confer honorary bachelor degrees to persons other than their graduates in recognition of their learning, community service, and dedication to education.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.