SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5558

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

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 9, 1987; February 12, 1987; January 28, 1988; February 4, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5558 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Saling, Chairman; Anderson, Hansen, McMullen, Smitherman, von Reichbauer.

Senate Staff:Scott Huntley (786-7421)

                  March 3, 1988

House Committe on Higher Education

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 16, 1988

BACKGROUND:

In 1981 the Legislature established the Washington State Scholars program to provide recognition for three high school seniors in each legislative district who had outstanding academic records.  In 1984 the 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.

In 1986 this waiver was expanded 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:

The Higher Education Coordinating Board is directed to conduct a study of the feasibility and advisability of expanding the Washington scholars program to allow the provision of grants to award recipients who choose to attend an independent institution of higher education in the state of Washington.

The Higher Education Coordinating Board will report to the Legislature on or before December 1, 1988 on the results of the study.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Tom Parker, Washington Friends of Higher Education (for); Bob Waldo, Council of Presidents; Steve Polken, Washington Education Association (against)

HOUSE AMENDMENTS:

Washington Scholars 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 Washington Scholar 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 Higher Education Coordinating 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 Scholar 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.