BILL REQ. #:  H-1873.1 

Read first time 02/25/2003.   Referred to Committee on Higher Education.

     AN ACT Relating to refunds of federal financial aid to students who withdraw from institutions of higher education before the end of a quarter or semester; and amending RCW 28B.15.600.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 28B.15.600 and 1995 c 36 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The governing boards of the state universities, the regional universities, and The Evergreen State College may refund or cancel in full the tuition and services and activities fees if the student withdraws from a university or college course or program prior to the sixth day of instruction of the quarter or semester for which the fees have been paid or are due. If the student withdraws on or after the sixth day of instruction, the governing boards may refund or cancel up to one-half of the fees, provided such withdrawal occurs within the first thirty calendar days following the beginning of instruction. However, if a different policy is required by federal law in order for the institution of higher education to maintain eligibility for federal funding of programs, the governing board may adopt a refund policy that meets the minimum requirements of the federal law, and the policy may treat all students attending the institution in the same manner. Additionally, if federal law provides that students who receive federal financial aid must return a larger amount to the federal government than that refunded by the institution, the governing board may adopt a refund policy that uses the formula used to calculate the amount returned to the federal government, and the policy may treat all students attending the institution in the same manner.
     (2) The governing boards of the respective universities and college may adopt rules for the refund of tuition and fees for courses or programs that begin after the start of the regular quarter or semester.
     (3) The governing boards ((may adopt rules to comply with RCW 28B.15.623 and)) may extend the refund or cancellation period for students who withdraw for medical reasons or who are called into the military service of the United States and may refund other fees pursuant to such rules as they may prescribe.