HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 5558

As Amended by the House

BYSenate Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Senators Gaspard, Bauer, Bailey, Smitherman, Benitz, Barr, McDonald, Bender, Craswell, Conner, Rasmussen, Kreidler, Williams, Hayner, Nelson, West and von Reichbauer)

Studying the provisions of Washington state scholars attending independent colleges or universities.

House Committe on Higher Education

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendment.  (12)

      Signed by Representatives Jacobsen, Chair; Heavey, Vice Chair; Barnes, Basich, Fox, Jesernig, Miller, Nelson, Prince, Silver, Unsoeld and K. Wilson.

House Staff:Susan Hosch (786-7120)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 2, 1988

BACKGROUND:

In 1981, the Legislature established the Washington State Scholars Program to recognize three outstanding high school seniors in each legislative district.  Students are chosen on the basis of their academic records, leadership skills, and community service efforts.  In 1984, the Legislature authorized the state institutions of higher education to waive tuition and services and activities fees for two years for Washington Scholars.  That waiver was extended to four years of undergraduate work by the 1987 session of the Legislature.

In order to qualify for the waiver, a Washington Scholar must enter a state institution of higher education within three years of high school graduation, and must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.30 or the equivalent. If a student's cumulative grade point average falls below a 3.30 during the freshman year, the student may petition the Higher Education Coordinating Board for probationary status. The Board has the authority to establish that probationary period, lasting until the student's grades meet the required standards.

SUMMARY:

Washington Scholars who attend an in-state independent college or university may receive a grant from the state, if funds are available.  The amount of each grant will not exceed annual tuition and services and activities fees rates for a full-time undergraduate at the research universities.  The grant must be matched equally by the independent institution with either money or a waiver of fees.  Students are eligible to receive the grant for a maximum of twelve quarters or eight semesters of undergraduate work.  Theology students are not eligible for the grant.

Students are permitted to transfer among independent institutions of higher education with the grant.  If students transfer to a state college or university, they will be entitled to receive a tuition waiver for the remainder of their period of eligibility.  If students from a state college or university transfer to an independent institution, they will be entitled to a grant for the remainder of their period of eligibility.  The total grants or waivers for any one student will not exceed twelve quarters or eight semesters of undergraduate study.

In order to qualify for the waiver, a Washington Scholar must enter an independent college within three years of high school graduation, and must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.30 or the equivalent.  If a student's cumulative grade point average falls below a 3.30 during the first year, the student may petition the Higher Education Coordinating Board for probationary status.  The Board has the authority to establish that probationary period, lasting until the student's grades meet the required standards.

The Higher Education Coordinating Board is directed to adopt rules for disbursing the grants from funds appropriated by the legislature for that purpose.  A definition of "independent college or university" is included.  In addition, the purposes of the Washington Scholar Program are revised to include providing grants at in-state independent colleges and universities.

Fiscal Note:      Available.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    David Irwin, Washington Friends of Higher Education.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    This program will help keep some of Washington's brightest students from attending college out-of-state.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.