FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5558

                                  C 210 L 88

BYSenate Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Senators Gaspard, Bauer, Bailey, Smitherman, Benitz, Barr, McDonald, Bender, Craswell, Conner, Rasmussen, Kreidler, Williams, Hayner, Nelson, West and von Reichbauer)

Studying the provisions of Washington state scholars attending independent colleges or universities.

Senate Committee on Higher Education

House Committe on Higher Education

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The 1981 Legislature established the Washington State Scholars Program to provide recognition for three high school seniors in each legislative district who had outstanding academic records.  The 1984 Legislature further provided that regional universities, state universities and The Evergreen State College would waive tuition, operating and service and activities fees for two years for recipients attending their respective institutions.

This waiver was expanded in 1986 to four years at the state universities, regional universities and The Evergreen State College and the community colleges were added to the institutions which could provide a waiver.

SUMMARY:

Washington State Scholars Program participants who attend an in-state independent college or university may receive a grant from the state if funds are available.  The amount of each grant will not exceed annual tuition and services and activities fees rates for a full-time undergraduate at the research universities.  The grant must be matched equally by the independent institution with either money or a waiver of fees.  Students are eligible to receive the grant for a maximum of twelve quarters or eight semesters of undergraduate work.  Theology students are not eligible for the grant.

Students are permitted to transfer among independent institutions of higher education with the grant.  If students transfer to a state college or university, they will be entitled to receive a tuition waiver for the remainder of their period of eligibility.  If students from a state college or university transfer to an independent institution, they will be entitled to a grant for the remainder of their period of eligibility.  The total grants or waivers for any one student will not exceed twelve quarters or eight semesters of undergraduate study.

In order to qualify for the waiver, a participant must enter an independent college within three years of high school graduation, and must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.30 or the equivalent.  If a student's cumulative grade point average falls below a 3.30 during the first year, the student may petition the Higher Education Coordinating Board for probationary status.  The board has the authority to establish that probationary period, lasting until the student's grades meet the required standards.

The board is directed to adopt rules for disbursing the grants.  A definition of "independent college or university" is included.  In addition, the purposes of the Washington Scholars Program are revised to include permitting tuition and fee waivers at state institutions of higher education, and providing grants at in-state independent colleges and universities.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    43     5

      House 96   2 (House amended)

      Senate    36    12 (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:June 9, 1988