SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2591

BYHouse Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Wood, Jacobsen, McLean, Miller, Fraser, Bowman, Cooper, Beck, Zellinsky, Ferguson, Kremen, Scott, Cole, H. Myers, Raiter, Cantwell, P. King, Crane, Winsley, Van Luven and Hankins)

Authorizing honorary degrees.

House Committe on Higher Education

Senate Committee on Higher Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 15, 1990; February 19, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Saling, Chairman; Patterson, Vice Chairman; Bauer, Cantu, Smitherman, Stratton, von Reichbauer.

Senate Staff:Shawn Newman (786-7443)

                  February 20, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION, FEBRUARY 19, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The University of Washington and Washington State University are permitted, by law, to grant honorary degrees.  Upon recommendation of the faculty, the honorary degrees may be given to persons who did not graduate from the universities.  The honorary degrees are conferred in recognition of a person's learning or devotion to literature, art or science.  Honorary degrees cannot be granted for money or for donation of any kind of property.

The regional universities and college are permitted to grant degrees to students who have completed a program of study or research in an appropriate area, as determined by the governing board and the faculty.

The community colleges may grant a suitable diploma, nonbaccalaureate degree or certificate, to students upon graduation or completion of a course of study.

The regional universities and college, and the community colleges, are not authorized by law to grant honorary degrees.

SUMMARY:

Upon recommendation of the faculty, the governing boards of the regional institutions of higher education, and the governing boards of the community colleges, may grant honorary degrees.  The honorary degrees may be granted to people who did not graduate from the institution in recognition of their learning or devotion to education, literature, art, or science.  No degree may be given for money or for the donation of any kind of property.

The community colleges are authorized to grant an honorary associate of arts degree.  The regional institutions may confer an honorary bachelor's or master's degree.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Representative Wood, original prime sponsor (pro)