Governor Inslee has signed legislation that will allow Washington’s four year public colleges and universities to establish student advisory committees.
The student advisory committees were a top priority for both Representative Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane) and the Washington Student Association this legislative session. The committees will provide students with an avenue to discuss tuition and other important issues with university administrators.
“The bill gives students an important voice around the table when it comes to the decisions that affect their education and their financial wellbeing. It treats them like the investors that they are in light of rising tuition,” said Riccelli.
“It is truly exciting when students, universities, and a bipartisan group of legislators can come together to protect students’ right to a seat at the table. It is victories like this one that remind us how important it is for students to participate in the legislative process,” said Angie Wiess, ASUW’s Director of Government Relations.
“This is an exciting opportunity for students to solidify a collaborative method of working with their administrations to find the best route forward for the university as a whole,” added Tristan Hanon ASWSU’s Director of Legislative Affairs.
The policy had a somewhat unique path to the Governor’s desk. It was brought forward early in session by Riccelli as House Bill 1331, which received near unanimous approval from the House but was not heard in the Senate. Just before the cutoff for policy bills, it was offered as an amendment by Sen. Andy Billig (D-Spokane) to House Bill 1736, a higher education efficiency bill sponsored by Rep. Hans Zeiger (R-Puyallup). Both legislators support the original legislation.
“Students have really worked hard this session to ensure that they have a voice in campus governance and budgeting,” noted Zeiger. “Student leaders, Rep. Riccelli, and Sen. Billig exemplify the power of teamwork. This generation of college students is civically engaged and making a difference.”
“Students deserve to have a seat at the table when it comes to major decisions affecting their education,” stated Billig. “I was proud to have the opportunity to work with Representatives Riccelli and Zeiger on this amendment and give students the voice they deserve.”
The student advisory committee concept was modeled on a successful program at the University of Washington known as the Provost Advisory Committee for Students. Since 2012, it has given student a chance to provide input on tuition, fees, financial aid, and overall budgeting.