2013 Revised Code of Washington
Title 44 - STATE GOVERNMENT — LEGISLATIVE
44.28 Joint legislative audit and review committee.
44.28.816 Tuition-setting authority -- Systemic performance audit.

RCW 44.28.816 Tuition-setting authority — Systemic performance audit. (Expires December 31, 2018.)

(1) During calendar year 2018, the joint committee shall complete a systemic performance audit of the tuition-setting authority in RCW 28B.15.067 granted to the governing boards of the state universities, regional universities, and The Evergreen State College. The audit must include a separate analysis of both the authority granted in RCW 28B.15.067(3) and the authority in RCW 28B.15.067(4). The purpose of the audit is to evaluate the impact of institutional tuition-setting authority on student access, affordability, and institutional quality.

     (2) The audit must include an evaluation of the following outcomes for each four-year institution of higher education:

     (a) Changes in undergraduate enrollment, retention, and graduation by race and ethnicity, gender, state and county of origin, age, and socioeconomic status;

     (b) The impact on student transferability, particularly from Washington community and technical colleges;

     (c) Changes in time and credits to degree;

     (d) Changes in the number and availability of online programs and undergraduate enrollments in the programs;

     (e) Changes in enrollments in the running start and other dual enrollment programs;

     (f) Impacts on funding levels for state student financial aid programs;

     (g) Any changes in the percent of students who apply for student financial aid using the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA);

     (h) Any changes in the percent of students who apply for available tax credits;

     (i) Information on the use of building fee revenue by fiscal or academic year; and

     (j) Undergraduate tuition and fee rates compared to undergraduate tuition and fee rates at similar institutions in the global challenge states.

     (3) The audit must include recommendations on whether to continue tuition-setting authority beyond the 2018-19 academic year.

     (4) In conducting the audit, the auditor shall solicit input from key higher education stakeholders, including but not limited to students and their families, faculty, and staff. To the maximum extent possible, data for the University of Washington and Washington State University shall be disaggregated by branch campus.

     (5) The auditor shall report findings and recommendations to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 15, 2018.

     (6) This section expires December 31, 2018.

[2011 1st sp.s. c 10 § 31.]

Notes:

Findings -- Intent -- Short title -- 2011 1st sp.s. c 10: See notes following RCW 28B.15.031.