FINAL BILL REPORT
HB 2398
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. |
C 158 L 14
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Permitting community colleges that confer applied baccalaureate degrees to confer honorary bachelor of applied science degrees.
Sponsors: Representatives Walkinshaw, Haler, Seaquist, Zeiger, Muri, Smith, Ryu, Reykdal, S. Hunt, Gregerson and Pollet.
House Committee on Higher Education
Senate Committee on Higher Education
Background:
Authority to Confer Honorary Degrees.
The Boards of Regents of the state research universities and the Boards of Trustees of Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, the Evergreen State College, and Western Washington University, are authorized, upon recommendation of the faculty, to confer honorary degrees upon persons other than graduates of the university or college in recognition of their learning or devotion to literature, art, or science.
Similarly, upon recommendation of the faculty, and in recognition of a person's learning or devotion to literature, art, or science, the Boards of Trustees for community and technical colleges may confer honorary Associate of Arts degrees upon persons other than graduates of the college.
Legislation enacted in 2012 added authorization for all the Boards of Regents and Boards of Trustees at higher education institutions to confer honorary degrees upon former students of the institution who were ordered into an internment camp in 1942 and did not graduate.
Bachelor of Applied Science Programs at Community and Technical Colleges.
Legislation enacted in 2005 directed the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) to create a pilot program and to develop and offer Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) degrees at selected colleges. In 2010 the pilot status of the program was removed and the SBCTC is authorized to approve community and technical college applications to offer applied baccalaureate degree programs.
A total of 475 full-time equivalent students were enrolled in 10 B.A.S. programs in the 2012-13 academic year. In total, 17 programs have been approved to offer B.A.S. degrees.
Summary:
The Boards of Trustees of community and technical colleges that are authorized to offer baccalaureate degrees are authorized to confer honorary B.A.S. degrees.
Votes on Final Passage:
House | 98 | 0 | |
Senate | 49 | 0 |
Effective: | June 12, 2014 |