HB 1794-S2.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Expands access to baccalaureate degree programs.

Declares an intent to increase baccalaureate access and encourage economic development through overall expansion of upper division capacity, continued development of two plus two programs in some areas of the state, authorization of four-year university programs in other areas of the state, and creation of new types of baccalaureate programs on a pilot basis. These steps will make significant progress toward achieving the master plan goals, but the legislature will also continue to monitor the development of the higher education system and evaluate what additional changes or expansion may be necessary.

Directs the higher education coordinating board to define potential outcomes resulting from this act and develop performance measures for those outcomes, including but not limited to increased numbers of baccalaureate degrees awarded; expansion of upper division and graduate capacity at the University of Washington Bothell and Tacoma and Washington State University Tri-Cities and Vancouver; enhanced regional access to baccalaureate programs; and creation and award of applied baccalaureate degrees. The board shall provide a progress report on the outcomes to the higher education committees of the senate and the house of representatives by December 1, 2008.

Expires July 1, 2009.