SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5229

BYSenators Saling, Bauer, Anderson, Patterson and Stratton

Changing the composition of the governing boards of state colleges and universities.

Senate Committee on Higher Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 9, 1989

Senate Staff:Jean Six (786-7423)

AS OF FEBRUARY 8, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The governing boards for the state colleges and universities provide the primary leadership for each specific institution of higher education.  Research shows the governing boards need an "intimate relationship" with the institution for which they have the policy setting responsibility.  Each institution of higher education in Washington State has a different mission and as such requires the lay members of the Board of Trustees or Board of Regents to have a policy making perspective unique to the specific college or university and the disparate needs of each.

SUMMARY:

When appointing members to the Board of Regents at the University of Washington and Washington State University, the Governor shall provide that a majority of the regents shall be alumni of the specific university.  A majority of trustees serving on the Board of Trustees at Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Western Washington University, and The Evergreen State College shall be alumni of the specific institution.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested