| VETO MESSAGE ON E2SHB 2783 |
| April 1, 2008 |
| To the Honorable Speaker and Members, |
| The House of Representatives of the State of Washington |
| Ladies and Gentlemen: |
| I am returning, without my approval, Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2783 entitled: |
"AN ACT Relating to transfer and articulation between institutions of higher education." |
| Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2783 creates work groups and outlines tasks to improve student credit transferability among community and technical colleges and four-year institutions of higher education. In addition, a list of student rights is to be developed. While this legislation focuses on the right problems, efforts already exist at the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) and the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) in this area. I am concerned that setting up another work group may actually distract us from the work already underway. |
| To assure that all interested parties are aware of current efforts, I am taking the following actions. First, I am directing the HECB and the SBCTC to continue working on transfer issues through the Joint Access Oversight Group. I request that these agencies develop ways to inform students, in clear language, about the transfer process and the information they need to continue their educational careers. I also ask that the remaining barriers, especially for students transferring from technical programs or career schools be addressed. |
| Second, I am also directing the HECB and the SBCTC to refine and combine their plans for a web-based advising system. A single, unified proposal should review and build upon the Joint Access Oversight Group's focus group work, the SBCTC program plan, and other work. |
| I am also directing that the solution, products, and recommendations from the above efforts be presented to the P-20 Council. I am looking forward to this report. |
| For these reasons, I have vetoed Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 2783 in its entirety. |
| Respectfully submitted, |
| Christine Gregoire |
| Governor |