SENATE BILL REPORT

E2SHB 1792

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.

Background: A number of studies have been undertaken over the past decade to determine the higher education needs of North King, Snohomish, Island, and Skagit Counties. In November 2006 a consultant team's final report found that the needs of about 10,800 full-time equivalent students would be unmet by 2025 if students from those counties participated in baccalaureate and graduate degree programs at the 1998 national average for all adults.

The mission of the University Center of North Puget Sound (University Center) is to develop partnerships with other colleges and universities for the purpose of providing baccalaureate and graduate degrees for the residents of North Snohomish, Island, and Skagit Counties and to provide the services and facilities that deliver these educational opportunities. The University Center offers on-line and in-class courses from Washington State University (WSU), University of Washington-Bothell, Western Washington University, Central Washington University, The Evergreen State College, Hope International University, and Saint Martin's University. Instruction is delivered in various formats including web-based distance education, two-way interactive video, technology supported classrooms and combinations of these. In 2005 the legislature named consortium member Everett Community College (ECC) as manager of the University Center and in March 2009 the University Center moved to the new Undergraduate Center in Gray Wolf Hall on the main campus.

Summary of Bill: WSU assumes management and leadership for baccalaureate and graduate degree production at the University Center. The Director of the University Center reports to the President of WSU and implements decisions of the Coordinating and Planning Council (council). The council is established to provide long-range strategic planning, facilitate collaborations, and resolve internal disputes. The membership of the council is specified, but may be modified by agreement.

The council must establish a strategic plan that includes a multibiennium operating and capital expense budget and must also address the academic needs of the region and for an engineering degree program. The strategic plan must specifically address expansion of the range of regional educational opportunities, include specified strategies, and establish a process for program development. It must be completed by July 1, 2013.

WSU's leadership role begins by July 1, 2014. University Center expansion needs and capital facility funding are reviewed annually by WSU in cooperation with ECC, other institutions offering degrees at the University Center, and community leaders. WSU designs, constructs, and manages any facility developed at the University Center with the exception of facilities design efforts utilizing ECC capital funding. WSU is responsible for infrastructure development and maintenance with costs shared equitably.

The act takes effect only after the Higher Education Coordinating Board determines whether a needs assessment and analysis is required and, if so, conducts a needs assessment and viability determination and recommends that this should move forward. The Office of Financial Management, the Legislature, and the Code Reviser must be notified of the Higher Education Coordinating Board's recommendations.