(1) The board shall develop a comprehensive and ongoing assessment process to analyze the need for additional degrees and programs, additional off-campus centers and locations for degree programs, and consolidation or elimination of programs by the four-year institutions.

     (2) As part of the needs assessment process, the board shall examine:

     (a) Projections of student, employer, and community demand for education and degrees, including liberal arts degrees, on a regional and statewide basis;

     (b) Current and projected degree programs and enrollment at public and private institutions of higher education, by location and mode of service delivery; and

     (c) Data from the workforce training and education coordinating board and the state board for community and technical colleges on the supply and demand for workforce education and certificates and associate degrees.

     (3) Every two years the board shall produce, jointly with the state board for community and technical colleges and the workforce training and education coordinating board, an assessment of the number and type of higher education and training credentials required to match employer demand for a skilled and educated workforce. The assessment shall include the number of forecasted net job openings at each level of higher education and training and the number of credentials needed to match the forecast of net job openings.

     (4) The board shall determine whether certain major lines of study or types of degrees, including applied degrees or research-oriented degrees, shall be assigned uniquely to some institutions or institutional sectors in order to create centers of excellence that focus resources and expertise.

     (5) The following activities are subject to approval by the board:

     (a) New degree programs by a four-year institution;

     (b) Creation of any off-campus program by a four-year institution;

     (c) Purchase or lease of major off-campus facilities by a four-year institution or a community or technical college;

     (d) Creation of higher education centers and consortia;

     (e) New degree programs and creation of off-campus programs by an independent college or university in collaboration with a community or technical college; and

     (f) Applied baccalaureate degree programs developed by colleges under RCW 28B.50.810.

     (6) Institutions seeking board approval under this section must demonstrate that the proposal is justified by the needs assessment developed under this section. Institutions must also demonstrate how the proposals align with or implement the statewide strategic master plan for higher education under RCW 28B.76.200.

     (7) The board shall develop clear guidelines and objective decision-making criteria regarding approval of proposals under this section, which must include review and consultation with the institution and other interested agencies and individuals.

     (8) The board shall periodically recommend consolidation or elimination of programs at the four-year institutions, based on the needs assessment analysis.

[2005 c 258 § 11; 2004 c 275 § 9.]

NOTES:

     Findings--Intent -- 2005 c 258: See note following RCW 28B.45.014.

     Part headings not law -- 2004 c 275: See note following RCW 28B.76.030.