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                                  HOUSE BILL 2286

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State of Washington              54th Legislature             1996 Regular Session

By Representatives Blanton, Carlson, Jacobsen and Mason; by request of Higher Education Coordinating Board

Read first time 01/09/96.  Referred to Committee on Higher Education.

Studying service delivery alternatives for higher education.

     AN ACT Relating to service delivery alternatives for the provision of higher education; creating new sections; and making an appropriation.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  As resources become more limited, it is important to assess the relative cost to provide instructional services by alternative structures available through Washington's higher education system.  Currently available are main campuses, branch campuses, distance learning centers, and other instructional opportunities and facilities provided by nonstate sources.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  (1) The higher education coordinating board, in consultation with the legislature, the office of financial management, and postsecondary education providers shall conduct a study to evaluate and estimate the relative cost of providing postsecondary instruction through main campuses, branch campuses, centers, distance learning through public and private colleges, and universities and businesses providing postsecondary instruction.

     (2) The costs to be used in the analysis shall be collected during the academic year 1996-97.  Before the 1996-97 academic year, the board, in consultation with the involved agencies and institutions, shall develop the study design and data requirements.  Public institutions shall participate in the study in the same manner as the periodic cost study.  Private institutions are encouraged to participate.

     (3) Following collections of the date, the study, evaluation, and report shall focus on:

     (a) Undergraduate education programs in arts and letters; social and natural sciences excluding health sciences; business; and teacher education;

     (b) Progression and graduation rates;

     (c) Instructional cost per student;

     (d) Design facility capacity;

     (e) Use of facilities; and

     (f) Budgeted usage.

     (4) The board may contract with consultants as necessary to complete these requirements.  The board shall report to the governor and appropriate committees of the legislature on December 1, 1997.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.  The sum of one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the biennium ending June 30, 1997, from the general fund to the higher education coordinating board to complete the study in section 2 of this act.

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