BILL REQ. #:  S-1367.2 

READ FIRST TIME 02/18/11.   

     AN ACT Relating to an accelerated baccalaureate degree program; adding a new section to chapter 28B.10 RCW; and creating a new section.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that some students are eager to complete a degree in the shortest time possible in order to enter the job market. The legislature further finds that providing a streamlined path to a baccalaureate degree would shorten the time required for students to complete a degree, improve the graduation rate, and improve accessibility for students who have proven academic abilities. The legislature intends to provide an accelerated baccalaureate degree program that will allow academically qualified students to obtain baccalaureate degrees in three years. The legislature finds that this streamlined path does not represent a new three-year standard for all students. The legislature intends to provide greater options to students, while not diminishing the quality or value of a standard baccalaureate degree. Further, the legislature intends that baccalaureate institutions explore reasonable possibilities for accelerated degree programs for academically qualified students.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 28B.10 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) State universities, regional universities, and The Evergreen State College may develop accelerated baccalaureate degree programs that will allow academically qualified students to obtain a baccalaureate degree in three years without attending summer classes or enrolling in more than a full-time class load during the regular academic year. The programs must allow academically qualified students to begin course work within their academic field during their first term or semester of enrollment.
     (2) The state universities, regional universities, and The Evergreen State College shall report on their plans for the accelerated baccalaureate degree programs to the higher education coordinating board for approval.