Title: An act relating to the modification of the governing boards of state colleges and universities.

Brief Description: Modifying governing boards of institutions of higher education.

Sponsors: Senators Shin, Delvin, Kilmer, Swecker, Fairley, Sheldon, Haugen, Hobbs, Pridemore, Franklin, Rasmussen and Eide.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Higher Education: 1/30/08.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Staff: Aldo Melchiori (786-7439)

Background: Boards of Regents and Boards of Trustees at the state's universities and state college are appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate. Since 1995 each of the institutions has had a student representative on their boards; otherwise, no other specified group is required to have representation. State officers and employees may not have an interest, financial or otherwise, direct or indirect, or engage in a business or transaction or professional activity that is in conflict with the proper discharge of the state officer or employees official duties.

Summary of Bill: The governing boards at the University of Washington, Washington State University, The Evergreen State College, and each of the regional universities are required to have a faculty representative on their governing boards. The representative must be a full-time or emeritus faculty members selected from a list of three to five nominees submitted by the governing body of the university faculty. It is acknowledged that public employees may resolve conflicts of interest by disclosing the interest and abstaining from participating in any discussions or actions where the interest may be affected.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The faculty and the boards would benefit from increased interactions. This would be a mutual learning opportunity. Faculty members would bring a wealth of specialized expertise to the boards. All board members represent the citizens of the state. Faculty members on boards would be participating as citizens of the state with specialized insights.

OTHER: The faculty represent only one of the groups involved with the university. While not on the boards, input from all campus groups is used in the university's decision-making process. This could prove complicated in relation to represented groups on campus.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Shin, prime sponsor; JW Harrington, Council of Faculty Representatives; John Purdy, Western Washington University faculty; Jim Huckabay, Council of Faculty Representatives.

OTHER: Ann Anderson, Central Washington University.