HB 2707-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Finds the policy landscape in higher education has changed since the original creation of the branch campuses. Demand for access to baccalaureate and graduate education is increasing rapidly. Economic development efforts increasingly recognize the importance of focusing on local and regional economic clusters and improving collaboration among communities, businesses, and colleges and universities.

Finds that each branch campus has evolved into a unique institution, and it is appropriate to assess the nature of this evolution to ensure the role and mission of each campus is aligned with the state's higher education goals and the needs of the region where the campus is located.

Declares an intent to recognize the unique nature of Washington's higher education branch campuses, reaffirm the role and mission of each, and set the course for their continued future development.

Declares that it is the further intent of the legislature that the campuses be identified by the following names: University of Washington Bothell, University of Washington Tacoma, Washington State University Tri-Cities, and Washington State University Vancouver.

Declares that the primary mission of the higher education branch campuses created under chapter 28B.45 RCW remains to expand access to baccalaureate and master's level graduate education in under-served urban areas of the state in collaboration with community and technical colleges.

Declares an intent that each branch campus be funded commensurate with its unique mission, the degree programs offered, and the institutional combination of instruction and research, but at a level less than a research university.

Provides that, in consultation with the higher education coordinating board, a branch campus may propose legislation to authorize practice-oriented or professional doctoral programs if: (1) Unique research facilities and equipment are located near the campus; or

(2) The campus can clearly demonstrate student and employer demand in the region that is linked to regional economic development.

Declares it is not the legislature's intent to have each campus chart its own future path without legislative guidance. Instead, the legislature intends to consider carefully the mission and model of education that best suits each campus and best meets the needs of students, the community, and the region.

Requires each branch campus to examine its instructional programs, costs, research initiatives, student enrollment characteristics, programs offered in partnership with community and technical colleges, and regional context and make a recommendation by November 15, 2004, to the higher education coordinating board regarding the future evolution of the campus. The board will analyze the recommendations of each campus in the context of statewide goals for higher education and provide policy options along with the original campus recommendations to the higher education and fiscal committees of the legislature by January 15, 2005.

Repeals RCW 28B.45.070, 28B.80.500, and 28B.80.520.