FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6626

                              C 288 L 90

BYSenate Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Senators Conner, Barr, Saling, Benitz and DeJarnatt)

Requiring an assessment of higher education needs of placebound students.

Senate Committee on Higher Education

House Committe on Higher Education

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

Access to higher education opportunities has become increasingly important to the citizens of the state of Washington.  Students need access to state-supported upper division programs leading to a baccalaureate degree.

The branch campus plan being developed by the Higher Education Coordinating Board as one of its responsibilities under the master plan is addressing the needs of the placebound students in the urban areas of the state.  According to the master plan expanding service to residents of rural areas presents a difficult challenge.  Community colleges are able to meet most of the vocational and academic transfer needs in these areas, but upper-division and graduate offerings are lacking.

SUMMARY:

The Higher Education Coordinating Board is directed to conduct a study of the upper division baccalaureate educational needs of placebound students and the graduate educational needs of teachers living in areas not currently served by either existing four-year institutions or branch campuses.

The intent of the Equal Opportunity Grant Program is clarified as a demonstration project to serve placebound financially needy students who have completed the associate of arts degree or its equivalent and who might be influenced by the receipt of enhanced financial aid to attend an institution that has existing unused capacity rather than a branch campus.  Grants may be used at any existing public or private institution with unused capacity in the state of Washington.

Each state institution of higher education is required to report crime statistics, monthly, for the Washington State uniform crime report.  Each institution of higher education is required to publish and distribute a report of crime statistics and crime rates at the institution.  Upon request, the institutions shall provide the report to every person who submits an application for admission to either a main or branch campus and to each new employee at the time of employment.

Information regarding an institution's security policies and procedures shall be provided to all new students and new employees.  All students, employees, and applicants shall receive notice that the information is available upon request.  Institutions that maintain housing facilities shall include information regarding security procedures in place at those facilities in the information provided to applicants, students, and employees.  Community colleges may provide alternative information to students and staff at small off-campus sites enrolling less than 100 students.

Each state institution of higher education will establish a task force to annually examine campus security and safety issues.  The institution's administration, faculty, staff, students, and police or security organization shall be represented on the task force.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

     Senate   48    0

     House 96  0 (House amended)

     Senate          (Senate refused to concur)

Free Conference Committee

     House 92  0

     Senate   43    1

EFFECTIVE:June 7, 1990