SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6176

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

              Higher Education, January 23, 1996

Title:  An act relating to service delivery alternatives for the provision of higher education.

Brief Description:  Studying service delivery alternatives for higher education.

Sponsors:  Senator Bauer; by request of Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Higher Education:  1/9/96, 1/23/96 [DP-WM].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report:  Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

  Signed by Senators Bauer, Chair; Drew, Hale, McAuliffe, Rasmussen, Sheldon and Wood.

Staff:  Jennifer Hanlon (786-7784)

Background: As the demand for higher education grows, many states are looking at methods to develop alternative structures for providing instructional services.  The Higher Education Coordinating Board is responsible for assessing Washington's higher education needs and making recommendations on policies and actions to meet those needs.

Summary of Bill: The Higher Education Coordinating Board is required to conduct a study to determine the cost of providing postsecondary instruction through main campuses, branch campuses, centers, distance learning through public and private colleges, and universities and businesses.  The study is performed in consultation with the Legislature, the Office of Financial Management, and postsecondary education providers.

The board must develop the design and data requirements of the study.  Public institutions are required to participate and private institutions are encouraged to participate in the study.

The focus of the study is on progression and graduation rates, instructional cost per student, design facility capacity, use of facilities, and budgeted usage.  The study also focuses on several undergraduate education programs.

The board must report to the Governor and Legislature by December 1, 1997.

Appropriation: $125,000.

Fiscal Note:  Requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  The effectiveness and efficiency of educating is becoming more important.  It is necessary to look at various service delivery models and what they might cost.  The Higher Education Coordinating Board will consider using an outside consultant to insure impartiality.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Susan Patrick, Associate Director, Higher Education Coordinating Board (pro).