BILL REQ. #:  S-3584.2 

READ FIRST TIME 02/02/12.   

     AN ACT Relating to accelerated baccalaureate degree programs; and amending RCW 28B.10.118.

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

Sec. 1   RCW 28B.10.118 and 2011 c 108 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) State universities, regional universities, and The Evergreen State College may develop accelerated baccalaureate degree programs that will allow academically qualified students to obtain a baccalaureate degree in three years without attending summer classes or enrolling in more than a full-time class load during the regular academic year. The programs must allow academically qualified students to begin coursework within their academic field during their first term or semester of enrollment.
     (2) The state universities, regional universities, and The Evergreen State College shall report on their plans for the accelerated baccalaureate degree programs to the higher education coordinating board or its successor agency for approval by July 1, 2012.
     (3) By July 1, 2012, each institution of higher education must clearly include in its admissions materials and on its web site any opportunities to complete a baccalaureate degree program in three years. By August 1, 2012, each institution must provide this information to the higher education coordinating board or its successor agency in a form that the superintendent of public instruction is able to distribute to school districts.