SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 6581

                    AS OF FEBRUARY 1, 1994

Brief Description:  Creating task forces to address higher education students' concerns.

SPONSORS: Senators Bauer, Prince, Drew, Cantu, Oke and Sheldon

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Staff:  Jean Six (786‑7423)

Hearing Dates:

BACKGROUND:

Students attending the public institutions of higher education in the state of Washington often have concerns that they bring to the Legislature for resolution.  Some student leaders recognize the need to understand the "big picture" and how their particular concerns and issues can be addressed within that context.  Often, the priorities of students and the priorities of administration are very different.  The students have asked for a forum in which all interested parties will discuss not only student issues but also emerging issues that will affect students as they strive to obtain their educational goals.  The forum will provide an opportunity for the differing points of view and perspectives to be aired as well as facilitate communication and understanding between administrations and students.

SUMMARY:

A task force shall be created on each major campus of the public higher education institutions.  The task forces shall provide a forum for students to work in a collaborative environment with the administration of their college or university to identify and resolve problems identified by students. 

The Council of Presidents (COP) and the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) shall coordinate the development of a format for reporting the results of the task forces to the Senate and House Committees on Higher Education.

1.By June 30, 1994, a preliminary report on the establishment of the task forces and a process for identifying student issues;

2.By November 30, 1994, an interim report including the identification of the three priority issues for the students of each institution;

3.By January 7, 1995, a final report from each four-year institution and the community and technical college system.

The final report shall identify those issues that have been resolved, those that can be resolved through continued dialogue, and those that may need legislative attention.  The final report for the community and technical college system shall identify up to five issues of common concern to the students in that system.

The final report shall also include a recommendation from the COP and the SBCTC on the feasibility of creating an ongoing process for addressing and reporting issues of concern to students.

Appropriation: none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested February 1, 1994

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