SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5708

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 22, 1991

Brief Description:  Ceasing operations of the Bothell‑Woodinville branch campus of the University of Washington.

SPONSORS:Senators Saling, Hayner, Rasmussen and Metcalf.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Staff:  Scott Huntley (786‑7421)

Hearing Dates:February 25, 1991

BACKGROUND:

Recent reports have shown significant under-enrollment at the Bothell/Woodinville Branch Campus of the University of Washington.  Reports have also been forwarded 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 Bothell/Woodinville should be revisited in light of these circumstances, and in light of the need to expand both lower-division and upper-division offerings in the east Lake Washington area.

SUMMARY:

The University of Washington is directed to suspend all operations of the Bothell/Woodinville 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 Bothell/Woodinville 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 Bothell/Woodinville Branch Campus.  Upon positive recommendation by the board and the university, the Legislature may take action to resume operating and capital activities at the Bothell/Woodinville Branch Campus.

The University of Washington is directed to accept into its main campus programs all students of the Bothell/Woodinville Branch Campus displaced by the cessation of branch campus operations.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested February 15, 1991

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