State revenues continue to exceed expectations ahead of two key forecasts this month that will determine the ultimate size of the state’s budget problem. But that may not be enough to head off the bad news that may be in those forecasts. The caseload forecast, essentially a projection of demand for state services, is scheduled […]
With a vote of 97-1, the House passed House Bill 1769 off of the floor Friday afternoon. The bill is one of two priority higher education efficiency bills this session. The other, House Bill 1736, was approved by the House on Monday. Allowing more flexibilities for colleges and universities to manage their capital budgets, HB […]
The state House of Representatives on Monday approved the first of two bills aimed at driving new efficiencies within the higher education sector. House Bill 1736 was approved 98-0 and heads for the Senate where a companion bill is already moving. The bill would help reduce time spent on paperwork within human resource departments by […]
With the clock ticking, President Obama met with Congressional leaders today in a short and unsuccessful hour long meeting to see if they could reach some kind agreement to mitigate the midnight deadline for the sequester. Members walked out in the same position they walked into the White House with – no agreement. The White […]
The Seattle Times reported Saturday that with tuition and student loan debt increases, students are beginning to take advantage of new and existing state programs to lessen the burden these increases impose on earning a degree and starting a career. The article highlights recent and soon-to-be graduates who have used such programs. “The cost savings […]
Passed by the House Wednesday with a vote of 95-1, House Bill 1331 would allow student government to form committees advising university administration on issues that affect student access and success, such as tuition and fees. The Seattle Times has the story here. WSU supports the legislation as the university already has mechanisms in place […]
An editorial published Tuesday by The Seattle Times states the burden tuition increases have placed on Washington students and four-year institutions, and urges lawmakers to begin reinvesting in higher education now. In exchange for increased funding, leaders from the state’s six public baccalaureate institutions have committed to freeze tuition rates for the first time since […]
WSU provided testimony yesterday on a trio of bills affecting the university. House Bill 1870 could complicate the paying of tuition in its prohibition of credit card surcharges. House Bill 1866 would extend the life of the Joint Center for Aerospace Technology Innovation and Senate Bill 5713 could limit WSU’s ability to provide certain self-supporting […]
More than 100 civically engaged WSU students traveled to Olympia Monday from all four WSU campuses to participate in the Associated Students of Washington State University’s Coug Day at the Capitol event. With more than double the number of students participating in the event than last year, the students spent their President’s Day meeting with […]
WSU raised concerns this week in the Senate Higher Education Committee about a pair of measures that would establish a 20 percent surcharge on international students and create a new online student advising system. The first measure has yet to be formally introduced. Senate Bill 5544 is identical to a bill heard earlier in the […]