BILL REQ. #:  H-1548.1 

Read first time 02/09/09.   Referred to Committee on Higher Education.

     AN ACT Relating to community college global affairs centers; adding a new section to chapter 28B.50 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) States, including Washington, benefit from the immigration of persons from other nations and other states. These immigrants bring not just skills and talents, but also new perspectives and knowledge that enhance innovation and economic vitality;
     (2) The twenty-first century economy is both global, across national borders, and dispersed, within national borders. Being global means that the companies and workers who succeed, by enjoying better incomes and higher standards of living, will be those integrated into the global market;
     (3) Being dispersed within national and state markets means globalization is no longer something that concerns only businesses and consumers in large cities. Companies and workers in smaller communities have just as much to gain or lose from globalization as their counterparts in larger cities;
     (4) Companies that trade, whether by exporting, importing, or both, need to think about global markets. But even companies and workers who see themselves as domestic economic players will be increasingly impacted by global economic changes and will need to understand the complexities and opportunities of a global marketplace;
     (5) Decisions regarding foreign direct investments in developed countries like the United States depend not just on proximity to markets and skilled labor, but also on the cultural climate and openness of a community. Foreign investors are attracted to communities that are outwardly oriented and have regular contact with other cultures. The "sister city" concept is one manifestation of that global perspective; and
     (6) Another manifestation of a global perspective is the presence of programs that serve the global outreach needs of a community's citizens and that acknowledge the interests of their international partners, including students, business representatives, and tourists.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 28B.50 RCW to read as follows:
     The college board shall recognize and support existing and emerging global affairs centers established at community colleges. The mission of a global affairs center is to foster global awareness, engagement, and partnerships that serve the needs of its students as well as the greater surrounding community. The goal is to create a central hub to bring together the college community, government agencies, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. When fully operational, a global affairs center will operate a host of programs through activities that may include, but are not limited to:
     (1) Community programs. Community programs engage students, faculty, and staff as well as members of the local community through lectures, symposiums, and group discussions. The goal is to organize activities on topical issues in ways that highlight local as well as international perspectives and consequences. Community programs create opportunities for further partnerships between the college and members of the off-campus community.
     (2) Referral services. A global affairs center serves as a first point of contact for businesses and other organizations that need reference points and referrals in order to take advantage of global opportunities.
     (3) Internship opportunities. A global affairs center assists students to find internship opportunities with government, business, and nonprofit organizations in the area with an international focus in their work.
     (4) International trade, development, and multicultural projects. A global affairs center seeks to work with local organizations to advance international initiatives on trade and development, such as the United Nations initiative on sustainable development, in ways that strengthen intercultural education and understanding.
     (5) Learning programs. A global affairs center partners with national learning programs that encourage discussion, understanding, and action on current foreign policy issues.
     (6) Support for ongoing programs. A global affairs center supports related ongoing programs at the community college, such as international studies, global pathways, study abroad, and student/faculty exchange agreements with foreign colleges and schools.