SENATE BILL REPORT
SSB 5664
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. |
As Passed Senate, March 1, 2011
Title: An act relating to the Lake Washington Institute of Technology.
Brief Description: Concerning the Lake Washington Institute of Technology.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development (originally sponsored by Senators McAuliffe, Shin, Hobbs, Nelson, Rockefeller, Litzow, Chase, Tom, Zarelli, Brown, Kilmer, Delvin and Murray).
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Higher Education & Workforce Development: 2/18/11 [DPS].
Passed Senate: 3/01/11, 49-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT |
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5664 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Tom, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Hill, Ranking Minority Member; Becker, Kastama, Kilmer and White.
Staff: Aldo Melchiori (786-7439)
Background: Lake Washington Technical College officially became part of the community and technical college system on September 1, 1991. Lake Washington Technical College serves as a flexible college, providing multiple entrance points and pathways. The college is a conduit for students to upgrade their skills, transition into a new career, or further their education for other reasons. Available pathways include basic skills transition, high school programs, certificates of proficiency and completion, apprenticeships, associates degrees (technical and transfer), professional and technical direct transfer agreements, an applied baccalaureate degree, incumbent and displaced worker training, and continuing education.
Lake Washington Technical College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities at the associate degree level and has been granted candidacy at the baccalaureate degree level.
Summary of Substitute Bill: The name of Lake Washington Technical College is changed to Lake Washington Institute of Technology.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: PRO: The institution became a, de facto, polytechnical college when it began offering a four-year degree. Lake Washington Technical College is the only technical college in the state to offer a four-year degree. This name change illustrates the progress the college has made. The name change will look better on a student's resume. The business community supports the effort. The college has space to offer additional four-year degrees.
OTHER: The faculty need to be consulted as this process goes forward.
Persons Testifying: PRO: David Woodall, Acting President, LWTC; Bruce Reid, LWTC; Bronson Carter, Nicole Herron, Jenny Claftin, Garren Handson, students; Lew McMurran, Washington Technology Industry Association.
OTHER: Bernal Baca, AFTWA.