BILL REQ. #:  S-0159.1 

Read first time 01/13/2003.   Referred to Committee on Higher Education.

     AN ACT Relating to allowing branch campuses to offer lower-division coursework; amending RCW 28B.45.020, 28B.45.030, 28B.45.040, and 28B.45.050; and creating a new section.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   Washington state's production of baccalaureate degrees is still behind most other states. It is the intent of the legislature to remove any systemic barriers to degree completion for students who attend any of the state's five branch campuses. The legislature finds that the branch campuses created in 1989 are designed to meet the needs of communities and students by providing access to degree programs specific to the requirements of local businesses. By offering access to lower-division coursework required for completion of specific degree programs in particular branch campus locations, the branch campuses will provide an even greater opportunity to local communities and placebound students.

Sec. 2   RCW 28B.45.020 and 1994 c 217 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     The University of Washington is responsible for ensuring the expansion of upper-division and graduate educational programs in the central Puget Sound area under rules or guidelines adopted by the higher education coordinating board. The branch campus may offer lower-division coursework. The University of Washington shall meet that responsibility through the operation of at least two branch campuses. One branch campus shall be located in the Tacoma area. Another branch campus shall be collocated with Cascadia Community College in the Bothell-Woodinville area.

Sec. 3   RCW 28B.45.030 and 1989 1st ex.s. c 7 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     Washington State University is responsible for providing upper-division and graduate level higher education programs to the citizens of the Tri-Cities area, under rules or guidelines adopted by the higher education coordinating board. The branch campus may offer lower-division coursework. Washington State University shall meet that responsibility through the operation of a branch campus in the Tri-Cities area. The branch campus shall replace and supersede the Tri-Cities university center. All land, facilities, equipment, and personnel of the Tri-Cities university center shall be transferred from the University of Washington to Washington State University.

Sec. 4   RCW 28B.45.040 and 1989 1st ex.s. c 7 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     Washington State University is responsible for providing upper-division and graduate level higher education programs to the citizens of the southwest Washington area, under rules or guidelines adopted by the higher education coordinating board. The branch campus may offer lower-division coursework. Washington State University shall meet that responsibility through the operation of a branch campus in the southwest Washington area.

Sec. 5   RCW 28B.45.050 and 1991 c 205 s 11 are each amended to read as follows:
     Washington State University and Eastern Washington University are responsible for providing upper-division and graduate level programs to the citizens of the Spokane area, under rules or guidelines adopted by the joint center for higher education. The branch campuses may offer lower-division coursework. However, before any degree is authorized under this section it shall be subject to the review and approval of the higher education coordinating board. Washington State University shall meet its responsibility through the operation of a branch campus in the Spokane area. Eastern Washington University shall meet its responsibility through the operation of programs and facilities in Spokane.