Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Higher Education Committee |
HCR 4404
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: Commending the higher education coordinating board for its initiative to develop a higher education system plan.
Sponsors: Representatives Wallace, Carlyle, Sells, Morrell, White and Kenney.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/18/09
Staff: Cece Clynch (786-7195)
Background:
The public higher education system in Washington includes:
11 baccalaureate degree granting system campuses;
10 university centers;
39 off-campus teaching sites; and
34 community and technical colleges, seven of which also offer applied baccalaureate degrees on a pilot basis.
In 2008, the Legislature approved the 2008 Strategic Master Plan for Higher Education in Washington. A central planning principle of the implementation plan calls for the higher education system to expand on demand so that new postsecondary educational resources are authorized when there is a demonstrated demand. At the same time, new resources must be in concert with the other parts of the existing system.
To this end, the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) is undertaking an examination of the structure of the current higher education system and how that structure can be expanded and shaped over the next 20 years to build off the recommendations of past planning processes and best meet the needs of the citizens while optimizing the public investment in postsecondary education. Collaborating in this effort are the Council of Presidents, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, and the Independent Colleges of Washington
Summary of Bill:
The HECB is commended for undertaking this collaborative examination to develop the system design plan. The HECB is also encouraged to include stakeholders and representatives of the institutions and agencies that compose the higher education system, as well as business, labor, and civic leaders. Finally, the Legislature resolves to work with the HECB to gradually and deliberately implement both the system design planning work and the implementation plan for the Strategic Master Plan for Higher Education.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.