Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
Higher Education Committee |
|
SB 6315
Brief Description: Changing provisions relating to institutions of higher education.
Sponsors: Senators Kohl-Welles, Carlson, Shin, Schmidt and Pflug.
Brief Summary of Bill |
• Removes the term branch campus from statute and instead names each campus: University of Washington Bothell, University of Washington Tacoma, Washington State University Vancouver, Washington State University Tri-Cities, and Washington State University Spokane. |
Hearing Date: 2/24/04
Staff: Barbara McLain (786-7383).
Background:
In 1989, the Legislature authorized creation of five branch campuses to the state's public research universities. The University of Washington is directed to operate a branch campus in the Tacoma area and the Bothell-Woodinville area. Washington State University is directed to operate a branch campus in the Tri-Cities area, the southwest Washington area, and the Spokane area. State statute does not name the campuses, but refers generally to them as branch campuses.
In a 2003 study of branch campuses by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy, campus administrators expressed dislike of the term "branch campus" because it connoted an institution of lessor or inferior status compared to a main campus. Administrators prefer the term "new" campus or "urban" campus.
Summary of Bill:
The term branch campus is removed from statute. Each of the former branch campuses is designated by its campus name: University of Washington Bothell, University of Washington Tacoma, Washington State University Vancouver, Washington State University Tri-Cities, and Washington State University Spokane.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.