Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Higher Education Committee |
HB 1437
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: Adding a faculty member to the board of regents at the research universities.
Sponsors: Representatives Pollet, Stambaugh, Orwall, Tarleton, Macri, Bergquist, Stanford and Dolan.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/8/17
Staff: Megan Mulvihill (786-7304).
Background:
The Board of Regents.
The University of Washington (UW) and Washington State University (WSU) are governed by a Board of Regents. Each consists of 10 members, one of whom is a student. The Board of Regents' members are appointed by the Governor with the consent of the Senate. The members hold terms of six years, except for the student member who holds a one-year term. The student member is not allowed to participate or vote on matters related to the hiring, discipline, or tenure of faculty members and personnel.
The Board of Regents has the following powers and duties:
maintain full control over the university and its property;
employ the university president, faculty, staff, and all university employees;
establish admissions requirements;
establish colleges, schools, or departments to carry out the purposes of the university;
prescribe courses of study with assistance from faculty;
grant certificates and degrees, including honorary degrees;
accept gifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, and devises for university benefit, and sell, lease, exchange, invest, or expend the same or the proceeds, rents, profits, and income from such;
enter into contracts;
submit reports to the Governor and Legislature; and
offer new degree programs, off-campus programs, participate in consortia or centers, contract for off-campus educational programs, and purchase or lease major off-campus facilities.
The Faculty Senate.
The Faculty Senate is the legislative body of the faculty. The Faculty Senate works with the university president to formulate regulations and procedures on matters related to education policy; student conduct and activities; scholastic policy; approval of degree candidates; criteria for faculty tenure, appointment, and promotion; and recommendations for campus and university budgets.
Summary of Bill:
The Board of Regents for both the University of Washington and Washington State University are increased to 11 members, with the 11th member being a full-time or emeritus member of the faculty. The faculty member must be selected by the Governor from a list of candidates submitted by the university's Faculty Senate. The faculty member serves for a three year term and must excuse himself or herself from voting on matters related to the hiring, discipline, or tenure of specific faculty members.
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.