BILL REQ. #:  S-4710.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/10/04.   

     AN ACT Relating to higher education; and creating new sections.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature recognizes that southwest Washington continues to be the fastest-growing region in the state and is successfully attracting a wide array of corporations and businesses vital to the future expansion of the economy of the region and the entire state. In partnership, the branch campus of Washington State University at Vancouver, Clark College, and Lower Columbia College have successfully expanded educational opportunities for students and created avenues for research and training to support the economy of the region over the last decade. However, the legislature also recognizes that southwest Washington is the largest urban area in the state without access to an in-state, public four-year institution of higher education. Therefore, the legislature finds it necessary to examine thoroughly and objectively the prospect of creating additional baccalaureate and graduate opportunities in Vancouver. The legislature also recognizes there may be other unserved or underserved areas in the state.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   (1) The Washington state institute for public policy shall conduct a feasibility study for the creation of additional baccalaureate and graduate opportunities for public higher education in Vancouver. The study must include the following analyses:
     (a) A detailed regional analysis of student demand and institutional supply of degree programs, including potential economic development, and including consultation with community leaders;
     (b) Consideration of alternative models for providing baccalaureate and professional graduate education in the region, including expanding the current partnerships between the branch campus of Washington State University at Vancouver, Clark College, and Lower Columbia College;
     (c) An examination of the possible role and mission of a transitional comprehensive four-year university, including the possibility of an innovative combination of instruction and research suitable for meeting the region's needs for access to higher education for recent high school graduates, placebound students, and transfer students as well as support of the expansion of the region's economic viability; and
     (d) A comparison of short and long-term costs.
     (2) The institute shall submit its findings from the feasibility study to the higher education and fiscal committees of the senate and house of representatives by December 15, 2004.
     (3) The institute shall develop a proposal for a study that may investigate the need for additional baccalaureate access in other parts of Washington state that are either unserved or underserved.