Wash. Rev. Code § 28B.50.050
[ 2025 c 91 s 2; 1991 c 238 s 30; 1988 c 76 s 1; 1984 c 287 s 64; 1982 1st ex.s. c 30 s 9; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34 s 74; 1973 c 62 s 13; 1969 ex.s. c 261 s 19; 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28B.50.050. Prior: 1967 ex.s. c 8 s 5.]
Findings—Intent—2025 c 91: "The legislature recognizes that the decisions made by the state board for community and technical colleges greatly impact the lives and education experiences of students and that student participation in the decision-making process can provide meaningful insight into the impact of these decisions from the student perspective, which is unique compared to the perspective of traditional board members.
The legislature finds that students have served on higher education-related governing boards in Washington state and other states for decades. Specifically, students serve on the governing boards of systems of community and technical colleges in over 10 other states. Students also serve as voting members on both the Washington student achievement council and the workforce education investment accountability and oversight board. These opportunities have provided students the opportunity to contribute greatly to deliberations where they have been able to share ideas and concerns on decisions that directly impact students.
The legislature further finds that student perspectives offer the opportunity to bring the state board for community and technical colleges closer to the student community that it serves. Being on campus and in class every day, students are exposed directly to many topics of interest to the board, which is important for comprehensive and in-depth discussion. Moreover, student populations at community and technical colleges are the most diverse of any institution of higher education in the state, and thus the student member would be exposed to a more diverse group than any other member of the board representing any one group of the community.
Additionally, the legislature acknowledges that student positions on governing boards are also a valuable tool for developing leadership through experiential learning. Student members learn processes of institutional governance, analyze policy proposals, and participate in board discussions and decision making.
Therefore, it is the intent of the legislature to enhance community college governance by the state board of [for] community and technical colleges through fostering a stronger relationship with students in policy development and decision making at the state level." [ 2025 c 91 s 1.]
Legislative findings—Severability—Effective date—1984 c 287: See notes following RCW 43.03.220.
Effective date—Severability—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34: See notes following RCW 2.08.115.
Savings—Severability—1973 c 62: See notes following RCW 28B.10.510.
Severability—1969 ex.s. c 261: See note following RCW 28B.50.020.
Appointment of director of state system of community and technical colleges, by: RCW 28B.50.060.
Employees of, appointment and employment of: RCW 28B.50.060.
Occupational forecast—Agency consultation: RCW 50.38.030.
Powers and duties: RCW 28B.50.090.