S-3685.2  _______________________________________________

                         SENATE BILL 6626

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington   57th Legislature        2002 Regular Session

By Senators Kohl‑Welles, Carlson, Shin, Jacobsen, Parlette, Horn, B. Sheldon and McAuliffe

Read first time 01/23/2002.  Referred to Committee on Higher Education.

Requiring the Washington state institute for public policy to review and evaluate whether branch campuses are fulfilling their intended role.

    AN ACT Relating to a study of the role, mission, and structure of branch campuses by the Washington state institute for public policy; and creating a new section.

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

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  In 1989, the legislature created a system of branch campuses to meet the upper division and graduate education needs of individuals, businesses, and urban communities.  Over a decade later it is time to review the system and to determine whether or not the original intent is being met as well as to determine whether the original goals are appropriate in the economic and educational climate of today.

    The lack of sufficient educational opportunities in urban areas caused the 1989 legislature to endorse the creation of branch campuses for the University of Washington and Washington State University.  The new campuses were expected to meet the upper-division and graduate needs of place-bound individuals who were unable to relocate due to financial difficulties, family commitments, or job responsibilities.  The branch campuses were to be operated as models of a two-plus-two educational system.  In addition, the new campuses were expected to provide the educational opportunities that are beneficial to the economy of the state's urban centers not previously served by a four-year institution.  The new campuses were also expected to address the issue of baccalaureate degree production in Washington falling behind other states in the nation.

    The Washington state institute for public policy shall review and evaluate the missions of the branch campuses to determine the extent to which the original intent of the legislature has been fulfilled.  The evaluation shall address the following:  (1) Why were the branch campuses originally created; (2) what evidence is there that they are achieving their original mission; and (3) whether anything in the state has changed that might indicate a need to modify the role, mission, or structure of branch campuses.

    The institute shall submit a draft report to the appropriate legislative committees by September 1, 2002, with the final report to be delivered by December 15, 2002.

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