Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Higher Education Committee

SSB 5104

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Expanding the applied baccalaureate degree pilot program.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Senators McAuliffe, Tom, Rockefeller, Shin, Oemig, Berkey, Brandland, Fairley, Pflug, Delvin, Rasmussen, Kohl-Welles, Keiser, Zarelli, Prentice, Eide, Kline, Hobbs, Clements and Kilmer).

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
  • Expands the applied baccalaureate degree pilot program.

Hearing Date: 3/28/07

Staff: Jennifer Thornton (786-7111).

Background:

In 2005, the Legislature authorized the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) to select four applied baccalaureate degree pilot programs at community or technical colleges. Six colleges submitted proposals. Bellevue Community College, Olympic College, Peninsula College, and South Seattle Community College were selected as the sites for the pilot projects. Colleges began planning and program development in 2006. Upper division students will begin enrolling in the programs in the fall of 2007.

The SBCTC selected the participating institutions based upon: their capacity to commit resources; their ability to engage faculty to develop and deliver the curriculum; the demand for the programs in their service area; the cost-effectiveness for students; and whether the program filled a gap in options offered by a public four-year institution in the geographic area.

Summary of Bill:

By February 2008, the SBCTC will select up to two colleges to develop and offer applied baccalaureate degree programs. At least one selected college must be a technical college. The SBCTC will use the same criteria as used in the initial applied baccalaureate degree pilot program. Selected colleges may enroll students in upper division courses beginning fall quarter of 2009.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.