Read first time 01/26/11.   Referred to Committee on Higher Education.

     AN ACT Relating to the provision of doctorate programs at the research university branch campuses in Washington; and amending RCW 28B.45.014.

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

Sec. 1   RCW 28B.45.014 and 2005 c 258 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The primary mission of the higher education branch campuses created under this chapter remains to expand access to baccalaureate and ((master's level)) graduate education in underserved urban areas of the state in collaboration with community and technical colleges. The top priority for each of the campuses is to expand courses and degree programs for transfer and graduate students. New degree programs should be driven by the educational needs and demands of students and the community, as well as the economic development needs of local businesses and employers.
     (2) Branch campuses shall collaborate with the community and technical colleges in their region to develop articulation agreements, dual admissions policies, and other partnerships to ensure that branch campuses serve as innovative models of a two plus two educational system. Other possibilities for collaboration include but are not limited to joint development of curricula and degree programs, colocation of instruction, and arrangements to share faculty.
     (3) In communities where a private postsecondary institution is located, representatives of the private institution may be invited to participate in the conversation about meeting the baccalaureate and ((master's level)) graduate needs in underserved urban areas of the state.
     (4) However, the legislature recognizes there are alternative models for achieving this primary mission. Some campuses may have additional missions in response to regional needs and demands. At selected branch campuses, an innovative combination of instruction and research targeted to support regional economic development may be appropriate to meet the region's needs for both access and economic viability. Other campuses should focus on becoming models of a two plus two educational system through continuous improvement of partnerships and agreements with community and technical colleges. Still other campuses may be best suited to transition to a four-year university or be removed from designation as a branch campus entirely.
     (5) The legislature recognizes that size, mix of degree programs, and proportion of lower versus upper division and graduate enrollments are factors that affect costs at branch campuses. However over time, the legislature intends that branch campuses be funded more similarly to regional universities.
     (6) ((In consultation with)) Subject to approval by the higher education coordinating board, ((a branch campus may propose legislation to authorize practice-oriented or professional doctoral programs if: (a) Unique research facilities and equipment are located near the campus; or (b) the campus can clearly demonstrate student and employer demand in the region that is linked to regional economic development)) in accordance with RCW 28B.76.230, research universities are authorized to develop doctoral degree programs at their branch campuses.
     (7) ((It is not the legislature's intent to have each campus chart its own future path without legislative guidance. Instead, the legislature intends to consider carefully the mission and model of education that best suits each campus and best meets the needs of students, the community, and the region.)) The higher education coordinating board shall monitor and evaluate ((the addition of lower division students to)) growth of the branch campuses and periodically report and make recommendations to the higher education committees of the legislature to ensure the campuses continue to follow the priorities established under this chapter.