RCW ch. 28B.10 — Revised Code of Washington Chapter 28B.10 RCW — Colleges And Universities Generally

RCW 28B.10.016 Definitions. For the purposes of this title: (1) "State universities" means the University of Washington and Washington State University. (2) "Regional universities" means Western Washington University at Bellingham, Central Washington University at Ellensburg, and Eastern Washington University at Cheney. (3) "State college" means The Evergreen State College in Thurston county. (4) "Institutions of higher education" or "postsecondary institutions" means the state universities, the regional universities, The Evergreen State College, the community colleges, and the technical colleges. (5) "Governing board" means the board of regents or the board of trustees of the institutions of higher education. [ 1992 c 231 s 1; 1991 c 238 s 113; 1977 ex.s. c 169 s 1.] NOTES: Effective date— RCW 28B.10.017 "Eligible student" defined. "Eligible student" means a student who (1) was enrolled in a Washington college, university, community college, or vocational-technical institute on or after August 2, 1990, and (2) is unable to complete the period of enrollment or academic term in which the student was enrolled because the student was deployed either in the Persian Gulf combat zone, as designated by the president of the United States by executive order, or in another location in support of the Persian Gulf combat zone. An eligible student is required to verify his or her inability to complete an academic term through military service records, movement orders, or a certified letter signed by the student's installation personnel officer. [ 1991 c 164 s 1.] RCW 28B.10.019 Electronic signatures. (1) Institutions of higher education and state higher education agencies may use or accept secure electronic signatures for any human resource, benefits, or payroll processes that require a signature. Such signatures are valid and enforceable. (2) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section. (a) "Electronic signature" means an electronic sound, symbol, or process, attached to, or logically associated with, a contract or other record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record. (b) "Secure electronic signature" means an electronic signature that: (i) Is unique to the person making the signature; (ii) Uses a technology or process to make the signature that is under the sole control of the person making the signature; (iii) Uses a technology or process that can identify the person using the technology or process; and (iv) Can be linked with an electronic record in such a way that it can be used to determine whether the electronic record has been changed since the electronic signature was incorporated in, attached to, or associated with the electronic record. [ 2013 c 218 s 2.] RCW 28B.10.020 Acquisition of property by universities and The Evergreen State College. The boards of regents of the University of Washington and Washington State University, respectively, and the boards of trustees of Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Western Washington University, and The Evergreen State College, respectively, shall have the power and authority to acquire by exchange, gift, purchase, lease, or condemnation in the manner provided by chapter 8.04 RCW for condemnation of property for public use, such lands, real estate and other property, and interests therein as they may deem necessary for the use of said institutions respectively. However, the purchase or lease of major off-campus facilities is subject to the approval of the student achievement council under RCW 28B.77.080. [ 2012 c 229 s 509; 2004 c 275 s 47; 1985 c 370 s 50; 1977 ex.s. c 169 s 7; 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28B.10.020. Prior: 1967 c 47 s 16; 1947 c 104 s 1; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 4623-20. Formerly RCW 28.76.020.] NOTES: Effective date— RCW 28B.10.022 Authority to enter into financing contracts—Notice. (1) The boards of regents of the state universities and the boards of trustees of the regional universities, The Evergreen State College, and the state board for community and technical colleges, are severally authorized to enter into financing contracts as provided in chapter 39.94 RCW. Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, financing contracts shall be subject to the approval of the state finance committee. (2) The board of regents of a state university may enter into financing contracts which are payable solely from and secured by all or any component of the fees and revenues of the university derived from its ownership and operation of its facilities not subject to appropriation by the legislature and not constituting "general state revenues," as defined in Article VIII, section 1 of the state Constitution, without the prior approval of the state finance committee. (3) Except for financing contracts for facilities or equipment described under chapter 28B.140 RCW, the board of regents shall notify the state finance committee at least sixty days prior to entering into such contract and provide information relating to such contract as requested by the state finance committee. [ 2003 c 6 s 1; 2002 c 151 s 5; 1989 c 356 s 6.] RCW 28B.10.023 Contracts subject to requirements established under office of minority and women's business enterprises. All contracts entered into under this chapter by institutions of higher education on or after September 1, 1983, are subject to the requirements established under chapter 39.19 RCW. [ 1983 c 120 s 10.] NOTES: Effective date— RCW 28B.10.024 Awards of procurement contracts to veteran-owned businesses. All procurement contracts entered into under this chapter on or after June 10, 2010, are subject to the requirements established under RCW 43.60A.200. [ 2010 c 5 s 7.] NOTES: Purpose— RCW 28B.10.025 Purchases of works of art—Procedure. The Washington state arts commission shall, in consultation with the boards of regents of the University of Washington and Washington State University and with the boards of trustees of the regional universities, The Evergreen State College, and the community and technical college districts, determine the amount to be made available for the purchases of art under RCW 28B.10.027, and payment therefor shall be made in accordance with law. The designation of projects and sites, the selection, contracting, purchase, commissioning, reviewing of design, execution and placement, acceptance, maintenance, and sale, exchange, or disposition of works of art shall be the responsibility of the Washington state arts commission in consultation with the board of regents or trustees. [ 2015 c 55 s 201; 2005 c 36 s 2; 1990 c 33 s 557; 1983 c 204 s 8; 1977 ex.s. c 169 s 8; 1974 ex.s. c 176 s 4.] NOTES: Purpose— RCW 28B.10.027 Allocation of moneys for acquisition of works of art—Expenditure by arts commission—Conditions. (1) All universities and colleges shall allocate as a nondeductible item, out of any moneys appropriated for the original construction or any major renovation or remodel work exceeding two hundred thousand dollars of any building, an amount of one-half of one percent of the appropriation to be expended by the Washington state arts commission with the approval of the board of regents or trustees for the acquisition of works of art. (2) For projects funded in the capital budget, an institution of higher education, working with the Washington state arts commission, may expend up to ten percent of the projected art allocation for a project during the design phase in order to select an artist and design art to be integrated in the building design. The one-half of one percent to be expended by the Washington state arts commission must be adjusted downward by the amount expended by a university or college during the design phase of the capital project. (3) The works of art may be placed on public lands of institutions of higher education, integral to or attached to a public building or structure of institutions of higher education, detached within or outside a public building or structure of institutions of higher education, part of a portable exhibition or collection, part of a temporary exhibition, or loaned or exhibited in other public facilities. (4) In addition to the cost of the works of art, the one-half of one percent of the appropriation shall be used to provide for the administration of the visual arts program, including conservation of the state art collection, by the Washington state arts commission and all costs for installation of the work of art. For the purpose of this section building shall not include sheds, warehouses, and other buildings of a temporary nature. [ 2019 c 240 s 1; 2018 c 2 s 7013; 2016 sp.s. c 35 s 6008; 2005 c 36 s 3; 1983 c 204 s 9.] NOTES: Effective date— RCW 28B.10.029 Property purchase and disposition—Independent purchasing authority—Purchase of correctional industries products. (1)(a) An institution of higher education may, consistent with RCW 28B.10.925 and 28B.10.926, exercise independently those powers otherwise granted to the director of enterprise services in chapters 43.19 and 39.26 RCW in connection with the purchase and disposition of all material, supplies, services, and equipment needed for the support, maintenance, and use of the respective institution of higher education. (b) Property disposition policies followed by institutions of higher education shall be consistent with policies followed by the department of enterprise services. (c)(i) Except as provided in (c)(ii) and (iii) of this subsection and elsewhere as provided by law, purchasing policies and procedures followed by institutions of higher education shall be in compliance with chapters 39.19, 39.26, and 43.03 RCW, and RCW 43.19.1917, 43.19.685, and 43.19.560 through 43.19.637. (ii) Institutions of higher education may use all appropriate means for making and paying for travel arrangements including, but not limited to, electronic booking and reservations, advance payment and deposits for tours, lodging, and other necessary expenses, and other travel transactions based on standard industry practices and federal accountable plan requirements. Such arrangements shall support student, faculty, staff, and other participants' travel, by groups and individuals, both domestic and international, in the most cost-effective and efficient manner possible, regardless of the source of funds. (iii) Formal sealed, electronic, or web-based competitive bidding is not necessary for purchases or personal services contracts by institutions of higher education for less than one hundred thousand dollars. However, for purchases and personal services contracts of ten thousand dollars or more and less than one hundred thousand dollars, quotations must be secured from at least three vendors to assure establishment of a competitive price and may be obtained by telephone, electronic, or written quotations, or any combination thereof. As part of securing the three vendor quotations, institutions of higher education must invite at least one quotation each from a certified minority and a certified woman-owned vendor that otherwise qualifies to perform the work. A record of competition for all such purchases and personal services contracts of ten thousand dollars or more and less than one hundred thousand dollars must be documented for audit purposes. (d) Purchases under chapter 39.26, 43.19, or 43.105 RCW by institutions of higher education may be made by using contracts for materials, supplies, services, or equipment negotiated or entered into by, for, or through group purchasing organizations. (e) The community and technical colleges shall comply with RCW 43.19.450. (f) Except for the University of Washington, institutions of higher education shall comply with RCW 43.19.769, 43.19.763, and 43.19.781. (g) If an institution of higher education can satisfactorily demonstrate to the director of the office of financial management that the cost of compliance is greater than the value of benefits from any of the following statutes, then it shall be exempt from them: RCW 43.19.685 and 43.19.637. (h) When any institution of higher education exercises its independent purchasing authority for a commodity or group of commodities, the director of enterprise services shall not be required to provide those services for that institution for the duration of the enterprise services contract term for that commodity or group of commodities. (2) The council of presidents and the state board for community and technical colleges shall convene its correctional industries business development advisory committee, and work collaboratively with correctional industries, to: (a) Reaffirm purchasing criteria and ensure that quality, service, and timely delivery result in the best value for expenditure of state dollars; (b) Update the approved list of correctional industries products from which higher education shall purchase; and (c) Develop recommendations on ways to continue to build correctional industries' business with institutions of higher education. (3) Higher education and correctional industries shall develop a plan to build higher education business with correctional industries to increase higher education purchases of correctional industries products, based upon the criteria established in subsection (2) of this section. The plan shall include the correctional industries' production and sales goals for higher education and an approved list of products from which higher education institutions shall purchase, based on the criteria established in subsection (2) of this section. Higher education and correctional industries shall report to the legislature regarding the plan and its implementation no later than January 30, 2005. (4)(a) Institutions of higher education shall set as a target to contract, beginning not later than June 30, 2006, to purchase one percent of the total goods and services required by the institutions each year produced or provided in whole or in part from class II inmate work programs operated by the department of corrections. Institutions of higher education shall set as a target to contract, beginning not later than June 30, 2008, to purchase two percent of the total goods and services required by the institutions each year produced or provided in whole or in part from class II inmate work programs operated by the department of corrections. (b) Institutions of higher education shall endeavor to assure the department of corrections has notifications of bid opportunities with the goal of meeting or exceeding the purchasing target in (a) of this subsection. [ 2016 c 197 s 1; 2015 c 79 s 1; 2013 c 291 s 27; 2012 c 230 s 4. Prior: 2011 1st sp.s. c 43 s 303; 2011 c 198 s 1; 2010 c 61 s 1; 2004 c 167 s 10; prior: 1998 c 344 s 5; 1998 c 111 s 2; 1996 c 110 s 5; 1993 c 379 s 101.] NOTES: Effective date— RCW 28B.10.0291 Savings report—2012 c 230. By January 1, 2017, institutions of higher education as defined in RCW 28B.10.016 must report to the legislature and the governor on: (1) The amount of savings resulting from use of the higher education provisions of chapter 230, Laws of 2012; and (2) the manner in which such savings were used to promote student academic success. [ 2012 c 230 s 5.] RCW 28B.10.030 Display of United States flag. Every board of trustees or board of regents shall cause a United States flag being in good condition to be displayed on the campus of their respective state institution of higher education during the hours of nine o'clock a.m. and four o'clock p.m. on school days, except during inclement weather. [ 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28B.10.030. Prior: 1939 c 17 s 1; RRS s 4531-1. Formerly RCW 28.76.030.] RCW 28B.10.031 Check cashing privileges. (1) Any institution of higher education may, at its option and after the approval by governing boards, accept in exchange for cash a payroll check, expense check, financial aid check, or personal check from a student or employee of that institution of higher education in accordance with the following conditions: (a) The check shall be drawn to the order of cash or bearer and be immediately payable by a drawee financial institution; (b) The person presenting the check to the institution of higher education shall produce identification that he or she is currently enrolled or employed at the institution of higher education; and (c) The payroll check, expense check, or financial aid check shall have been issued by the institution of higher education. (2) In the event that any personal check cashed under this section is dishonored by the drawee financial institution when presented for payment, the institution of higher education, after giving notice of the dishonor to the student or employee and providing an opportunity for a brief adjudicative proceeding, may: (a) In the case of a student, place a hold on the student's enrollment and transcript records until payment in full of the value of the dishonored check and reasonable collection fees and costs; (b) In the case of an employee, withhold from the next payroll check or expense check the full amount of the dishonored check plus a collection fee. In the case that the employee no longer is employed by the institution of higher education at time of dishonor, then the institution of higher education may pursue other legal collection efforts that are to be paid by the drawer or endorser of the dishonored check along with the full value of the check. [ 1993 c 145 s 1.] RCW 28B.10.032 Public and private institutions offering teacher preparation programs—Exploration of methods to enhance awareness of teacher preparation programs. The state's public and private institutions of higher education offering teacher preparation programs and school districts are encouraged to explore ways to facilitate faculty exchanges, and other cooperative arrangements, to generate increased awareness and understanding by higher education faculty of the common school teaching experience and increased awareness and understanding by common school faculty of the teacher preparation programs. [ 1987 c 525 s 233.] NOTES: Intent— RCW 28B.10.033 Teacher preparation programs. (Effective until January 1, 2027.) (1)(a) Each Washington professional educator standards board-approved teacher preparation program, including an alternative route teacher certification program, must develop a plan describing how the program will partner with school districts in the general geographic region of the program regarding field placement of student teachers. The plans must be developed in collaboration with school districts desiring to partner with the programs, and may include use of unexpended federal or state funds to support residencies and mentoring for students who are likely to continue teaching in the district in which they have a supervised field placement. (b) Beginning July 1, 2020, the following goals must be considered when developing the plans required under this section: (i) Field placement of student teachers should be targeted to high-need subject areas, including special education and English learner, and high-need geographic areas, including Title I and rural schools; and (ii) Student teacher mentors should be highly effective as evidenced by the mentors having received level 3 or above on both criteria 3 (recognizing individual student learning needs and developing strategies to address those needs) and criteria 6 (using multiple student data elements to modify instruction and improve student learning) on their most recent comprehensive performance evaluation under RCW 28A.405.100. Student teacher mentors should also have received or be concurrently receiving professional development in mentoring skills. (2) The plans required under subsection (1) of this section must be submitted to the Washington professional educator standards board and updated by July 1st every even-numbered year. (3) The Washington professional educator standards board shall post the plans and updates required under this section on its website. [ 2019 c 295 s 202; 2016 c 233 s 10.] NOTES: Findings— RCW 28B.10.034 Central Washington University—Student teacher remote supervision. (1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, Central Washington University shall acquire the necessary audiovisual technology and equipment for university faculty to remotely supervise student teachers in ten schools. (2) A school selected for the purposes of remote supervision of student teachers under this section must be a rural public school that currently is unable to have student teachers from Central Washington University's teacher preparation program due to its geographic location. [ 2019 c 295 s 205.] NOTES: Effective date— RCW 28B.10.035 Concurrent enrollment program accreditation. (1) To establish a uniform standard by which concurrent enrollment programs and professional development activities may be measured, any college or university offering concurrent enrollment program courses at a public high school, or college in the high school programs, must receive accreditation by a national accrediting body for concurrent enrollment by the 2027-28 school year. (2) Any college or university engaged in concurrent enrollment program courses at a public high school, or college in the high school programs, during or before the 2019-20 academic year that are not accredited by a national accrediting body for concurrent enrollment must continue to meet the same quality and eligibility standards and obtain approval in a manner consistent with the procedure established by rules adopted for the college in the high school program until the program is accredited by a national accrediting body for concurrent enrollment. (3) After the 2027-28 school year, any college or university with concurrent enrollment program courses in place at a public high school, or college in the high school programs, during or before the 2019-20 academic year that have not been accredited in accordance with subsection (1) of this section or do not have an application pending further action by the accrediting body under subsection (1) of this section may not offer a concurrent enrollment program course at a public high school or college in the high school program. (4) New college and university concurrent enrollment program courses that are implemented after the 2019-20 academic year have seven years from the beginning of the first term of classes to submit an application for accreditation for review by a national accrediting body for concurrent enrollment to comply with this section. (5) All colleges and universities are encouraged to provide institutional resources to support the transition to accreditation, including professional development, engage with national associations focused on concurrent enrollment accreditation, and collaboration with the state board for community and technical colleges or an organization that represents the public, four-year universities, and colleges. (6) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (a) "College in the high school program" is a program that meets the requirements of RCW 28A.600.287. (b) "Concurrent enrollment program" means a partnership between K-12 schools and postsecondary education institutions through which credit-bearing college courses offered by public or private institutions of higher education and taught by appropriately qualified high school teachers are taken in high school by high school students who have not yet received the credits required for the award of a high school diploma, and for which earned credits are recorded on a college or university transcript. "Concurrent enrollment program" does not include programs under RCW 28B.50.531 or the running start program. (c) "Public high school" means a high school that is a public school as defined in RCW 28A.150.010. [ 2021 c 71 s 5; 2019 c 272 s 1.] RCW 28B.10.037 Student expression in school-sponsored media. (1) Students at institutions of higher education have the right to exercise freedom of speech and of the press in school-sponsored media, whether or not the media are supported financially by the school or by use of school facilities, or are produced in conjunction with a class. All school-sponsored media produced primarily by students at an institution of higher education are public forums for expression by the student journalists and student editors at the particular institution. Student media, whether school-sponsored or nonschool sponsored, are not subject to mandatory prior review by school officials. (2) Student editors of school-sponsored media are responsible for determining the news, opinion, feature, and advertising content of the media. This subsection does not prevent a student media adviser from teaching professional standards of English and journalism to the student journalists. A student media adviser may not be terminated, transferred, removed, or otherwise disciplined for refusing to suppress the protected free expression rights of student journalists. (3) Nothing in this section may be interpreted to authorize expression by students that: (a) Is libelous or slanderous; (b) Constitutes an unwarranted invasion of privacy; (c) Violates the federal communications act or any rule or regulation of the federal communications commission; or (d) So incites students as to create a clear and present danger of: (i) The commission of unlawful acts on school premises; (ii) The violation of lawful school regulations, policies, or procedures; or (iii) The material and substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school. A school official must base a forecast of material and substantial disruption on specific facts, including past experience in the school and current events influencing student behavior, and not on undifferentiated fear or apprehension. (4) Any student enrolled in an institution of higher education may commence a civil action to obtain appropriate injunctive and declaratory relief as determined by a court for a violation of subsection (1) of this section by the institution of higher education. Upon a motion, a court may award reasonable attorneys' fees to a prevailing plaintiff in a civil action brought under this section. (5) Expression made by students in school-sponsored media is not the expression of school policy. Neither a school official nor the governing board of any institution of higher education may be held responsible in any civil or criminal action for any expression made or published by students in school-sponsored media unless school officials or the governing board have interfered with or altered the content of the student expression. (6) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (a) "School-sponsored media" means any matter that is prepared, substantially written, published, or broadcast by student journalists, that is distributed or generally made available, either free of charge or for a fee, to members of the student body, and that is prepared under the direction of a student media adviser. "School-sponsored media" does not include media that is intended for distribution or transmission solely in the classrooms in which they are produced. (b) "Student journalist" means a student who gathers, compiles, writes, edits, photographs, records, or prepares information for dissemination in school-sponsored media. (c) "Student media adviser" means a person who is employed, appointed, or designated by the school to supervise, or provide instruction relating to, school-sponsored media. [ 2018 c 125 s 3.] NOTES: Finding— RCW 28B.10.040 Higher educational institutions to be nonsectarian. All institutions of higher education supported wholly or in part by state funds, and by whatsoever name so designated, shall be forever free from religious or sectarian control or influence. [ 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28B.10.040. Prior: (i) 1909 c 97 p 242 s 7; RRS s 4559; prior: 1897 c 118 s 188; 1890 p 396 s 5. Formerly RCW 28.77.013; 28.76.040, part. (ii) 1909 c 97 p 243 s 1, part; RRS s 4568, part; prior: 1897 c 118 s 190, part; 1891 c 145 s 1, part. Formerly RCW 28.80.015, part; 28.76.040, part.] NOTES: Nonsectarian: State Constitution Art. 9 s 4, Art. 26. RCW 28B.10.041 High school directory information—Data-sharing agreements with the office of the superintendent of public instruction. (1) The Washington student achievement council and institutions of higher education must enter into data-sharing agreements with the office of the superintendent of public instruction to facilitate the transfer of high school student directory information collected under RCW 28A.150.515 for the purposes of informing Washington high school students of postsecondary financial aid and educational opportunities available in the state. (2) Data-sharing agreements entered into under this section must provide for the education research and data center to share student enrollment and outcome information from institutions of higher education, including federally designated minority serving institutions of higher education that are participating in data-sharing agreements under subsection (4) of this section, to the office of the superintendent of public instruction. Information provided in accordance with this subsection (2) must include the statewide student identifier for each student. To the extent possible, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall transmit student enrollment information to the enrolled students' host districts for the current year. (3)(a) Data-sharing agreements entered into by a community college or technical college as defined in RCW 28B.50.030 are limited to informing Washington high school students of postsecondary educational opportunities available within a college's service district as enumerated in RCW 28B.50.040. (b) The state board for community and technical colleges may coordinate with all of the community and technical colleges to develop a single data-sharing agreement between the community and technical colleges and the office of the superintendent of public instruction. (4) Federally designated minority-serving institutions of higher education that are bachelor degree-granting institutions and not subject to subsection (1) of this section may enter into data-sharing agreements with the office of the superintendent of public instruction to facilitate the transfer of high school student directory information collected under RCW 28A.150.515 for the purpose of informing Washington high school students of postsecondary educational opportunities available in the state. (5) Agreements entered into under this section must obligate the Washington student achievement council and institutions that will receive information through an agreement to maintain the statewide student identifier for each student. (6) For the purposes of this section, "statewide student identifier" means the statewide student identifier required by RCW 28A.320.175 that is included in the longitudinal student data system established under RCW 28A.300.500. (7) For the purposes of this section, "directory information" has the same meaning as in RCW 28A.150.515. [ 2024 c 324 s 1; 2023 c 406 s 1.] RCW 28B.10.042 Personal identifiers—Use of social security numbers prohibited. (1) Institutions of higher education shall not use the social security number of any student, staff, or faculty for identification except for the purposes of employment, financial aid, research, assessment, accountability, transcripts, or as otherwise required by state or federal law. (2) Each institution of higher education shall develop a system of personal identifiers for students to be used for grading and other administrative purposes. The personal identifiers may not be social security numbers. [ 2001 c 103 s 2.] NOTES: Findings— RCW 28B.10.0421 Personal identifiers—Funding. Each institution of higher education shall use its own existing budgetary funds to develop the system for personal identifiers. No new state funds shall be allocated for this purpose. [ 2001 c 103 s 4.] NOTES: Findings— RCW 28B.10.050 Entrance requirements exceeding minimum requirements. Except as the legislature shall otherwise specifically direct, the boards of regents and the boards of trustees for the state universities, the regional universities, and The Evergreen State College may establish entrance requirements for their respective institutions of higher education which meet or exceed the minimum entrance requirements established under *RCW 28B.76.290(2). [ 2004 c 275 s 48; 1985 c 370 s 91; 1984 c 278 s 19; 1977 ex.s. c 169 s 9; 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28B.10.050. Prior: 1917 c 10 s 9; RRS s 4540. Formerly RCW 28.76.050.] NOTES: *Reviser's note: RCW 28B.10.053 Postsecondary credit for high school coursework—Master list of qualifying courses and qualifying examination scores—Dissemination of information. (1) By December 1, 2011, and by June of each odd-numbered year thereafter, the institutions of higher education shall collaboratively develop a master list of postsecondary courses that can be fulfilled by taking the advanced placement, international baccalaureate, or other recognized college-level proficiency examinations, including but not limited to examinations by a national multidisciplinary science, technology, engineering, and mathematics program, and meeting the qualifying examination score or demonstrated competencies for lower division general education requirements or postsecondary professional technical requirements. The master list of postsecondary courses fulfilled by proficiency examinations or demonstrated competencies are those that fulfill lower division general education requirements or career and technical education requirements and qualify for postsecondary credit. From the master list, each institution shall create and publish a list of its courses that can be satisfied by successful proficiency examination scores or demonstrated competencies for lower division general education requirements or postsecondary professional technical requirements. The qualifying examination scores and demonstrated competencies shall be included in the published list. The requirements to develop a master list under this section do not apply if an institution has a clearly published policy of awarding credit for the advanced placement, international baccalaureate, or other recognized college-level placement exams and does not require those credits to meet specific course requirements but generally applies those credits towards degree requirements. (2) To the maximum extent possible, institutions of higher education shall agree on examination qualifying scores and demonstrated competencies for the credits or courses under subsection (3) of this section, with scores equivalent to qualified or well-qualified. Nothing in this subsection shall prevent an institution of higher education from adopting policies using higher scores for additional purposes. (3) Each institution of higher education, in designing its certificate, technical degree program, two-year academic transfer program, or first-year student and sophomore courses of a baccalaureate program or baccalaureate degree, must recognize the equivalencies of at least one year of course credit and maximize the application of the credits toward lower division general education requirements that can be earned through successfully demonstrating proficiency on examinations, including but not limited to advanced placement and international baccalaureate examinations. The successful completion of the examination and the award of credit shall be noted on the student's college transcript. (4) Each institution of higher education must clearly include in its admissions materials and on its website the credits or the institution's list of postsecondary courses that can be fulfilled by proficiency examinations or demonstrated competencies and the agreed-upon examination scores and demonstrated competencies that qualify for postsecondary credit. Each institution must provide the information to the student achievement council and state board for community and technical colleges in a form that the superintendent of public instruction is able to distribute to school districts. [ 2013 c 23 s 52; 2012 c 229 s 510; 2011 2nd sp.s. c 3 s 1; 2011 c 77 s 3.] NOTES: Effective date— RCW 28B.10.054 Credit policies for AP, international baccalaureate, and Cambridge international exams—Reports. (1) The institutions of higher education must establish a coordinated, evidence-based policy for granting as many undergraduate college credits, as possible and appropriate, to students who have earned minimum scores of three on advanced placement exams, four on standard-level and higher-level international baccalaureate exams, or scores of E(e) or higher on A and AS level Cambridge international exams. (2) Each institution of higher education must create a process for retroactively awarding international baccalaureate exam undergraduate college credits under the terms of this section to students who first enrolled in the institution of higher education in the 2018-19 academic year. (3) Credit policies regarding all advanced placement and international baccalaureate exams must be posted on campus websites effective for the 2019 fall academic term. Credit policies regarding all Cambridge international exams must be posted on campus websites effective for the 2020 fall academic term. If an institution of higher education is unable to award a general education course equivalency, the student may request in writing an evidence-based reason as to why general education course equivalency cannot be granted. Institutions of higher education must maintain websites regarding their advanced placement, international baccalaureate, and Cambridge international policies in a publicly accessible way. The institutions of higher education must conduct biennial reviews of their advanced placement, international baccalaureate, and Cambridge international credit policies and report noncompliance to the appropriate committees of the legislature by November 1st each biennium beginning November 1, 2019. (4) The institutions of higher education must provide an update to the joint legislative audit and review committee on their credit awarding policies by December 31, 2019. (5) For the purposes of this section, "general education course equivalency" means credit that fulfills general education or major requirements and is not awarded as elective credit. [ 2019 c 316 s 2; 2017 c 179 s 2.] NOTES: Findings— RCW 28B.10.057 Academic credit for military training. (1) Before December 31, 2015, each institution of higher education must adopt a policy to award academic credit for military training applicable to the student's certificate or degree requirements. The policy shall apply to any individual who is enrolled in the institution of higher education and who has successfully completed a military training course or program as part of his or her military service that is: (a) Recommended for credit by a national higher education association that provides credit recommendations for military training courses and programs; (b) Included in the individual's military transcript issued by any branch of the armed services; or (c) Other documented military training or experience. (2) Each institution of higher education must develop a procedure for receiving the necessary documentation to identify and verify the military training course or program that an individual is claiming for academic credit. (3) Each institution of higher education must provide a copy of its policy for awarding academic credit for military training to any applicant who listed prior or present military service in his or her application. Each institution of higher education must develop and maintain a list of military training courses and programs that have qualified for academic credit. (4) Each institution of higher education must submit its policy for awarding academic credit for military training to the prior learning assessment work group convened pursuant to RCW 28B.77.230. [ 2014 c 186 s 1.] RCW 28B.10.058 College in the high school program—At no cost—Rate per college funding. (1) Beginning on September 1, 2023, institutions of higher education must provide enrollment and registration in college in the high school courses in which a student is eligible to receive college credit available at no cost for students in the ninth, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade at public high schools. (2) Beginning with the 2023-2025 omnibus operating appropriations act, the legislature must pass an omnibus operating appropriations act that appropriates to the state board of [for] community and technical colleges and each of the public four-year institutions of higher education state funding for college in high school courses administered at public secondary schools. (3) State appropriations for the college in the high school program to the institutions of higher education shall be calculated as follows: The total college in the high school courses administered in the prior academic year, funded at $300 per student up to a maximum rate of: (a) $6,000 per college in the high school course administered by a state university as defined in RCW 28B.10.016; (b) $5,000 per college in the high school course administered by a regional university or the state college; or (c) $3,500 per college in the high school course administered by a community or technical college. (4) Beginning with fiscal year 2025 the rate per college in the high school course administered must be adjusted annually for inflation as measured by the consumer price index. (5) State appropriations must be based on the total number of college in the high school courses administered by an institution of higher education for the academic year immediately prior to the current fiscal year. The state appropriation is based on course administration data submitted annually by October 15th to the office of financial management and legislative fiscal staff. (6) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (a) "Community or technical college" has the same meaning as provided for under RCW 28B.50.030. (b) "Course" means a class taught under a contract between an institution of higher education and a single high school teacher on an articulated subject in which the student is eligible to receive college credit. (c) "High school" means a public school, as defined in RCW 28A.150.010, that serves students in any of grades nine through 12. (d) "Institutions of higher education" has the same meaning as provided for under RCW 28B.10.016. (e) "College in the high school" is the program created under RCW 28A.600.287. [ 2023 c 314 s 1.] RCW 28B.10.063 College in the high school—Private institution pilot program. (Expires December 31, 2030.) (1) Subject to the amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the student achievement council shall select a private, not-for-profit four-year institution as defined in RCW 28B.07.020(4) with a main campus located in Yakima county and who serves rural or underserved communities to participate in a pilot program to offer college in the high school courses at no cost to the students enrolling in the courses. (2) The student achievement council shall distribute funds to the pilot institution at a rate of $300 per student, up to a maximum of $6,000 per college in the high school course administered by the pilot institution. (3) College in the high school courses shall not include content or instruction that would subject students to religious behavior or conduct by the pilot institution or its faculty. (4)(a) The pilot institution shall provide the following information to the student achievement council by November 1, 2025, and annually thereafter: (i) College in the high school courses offered, including: (A) The name of each course; (B) The number of courses offered; (C) The specific locations where the courses are taught; and (D) Student enrollment information disaggregated by school districts and high schools; (ii) Data on college in the high school student demographics; (iii) Awards of postsecondary credit at the pilot institution; and (iv) The academic performance of students taking the offered college in the high school courses. (b) The student achievement council shall compile the information provided in (a) of this subsection and provide a report to the legislature by December 1, 2025, and annually thereafter, in compliance with RCW 43.01.036. (5) As used in this section: (a) "Course" means a class taught under a contract between an institution and a single high school teacher on an articulated subject in which the student is eligible to receive college credit. (b) "High school" means a public school, as defined in RCW 28A.150.010, that serves students in any of grades nine through 12. (6) This section expires December 31, 2030. [ 2024 c 240 s 1.] RCW 28B.10.065 College in the high school—Affidavit necessary for pilot program participation. (1) In administering RCW 28B.10.063, the student achievement council shall adopt rules which allow for each institution of higher education to annually sign an affidavit that the institution has adopted policies in compliance with this section. The affidavit must attest to the following nondiscrimination policies: (a) The institution prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability; (b) The institution operates its education program or activity in a manner free of discrimination. No student may be excluded from participation in an education program or activity, denied the benefits of an education program or activity, or subjected to discrimination on the basis of that student's age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory[,] mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, unless based upon bona fide qualification of the education program; and (c) The institution, acting in its capacity as an employer, does not: (i) Refuse to hire, promote, or confer tenure to any person because of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualification. However, the prohibition against discrimination because of a disability in this subsection (1)(c)(i) does not apply if the particular disability prevents the proper performance of the particular work involved. This subsection may not be construed to require an employer to establish employment goals or quotas based on sexual orientation; (ii) Discharge or bar any person from employment because of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability; (iii) Discriminate against any person in compensation or in other terms or conditions of employment because of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. However, this section does not prohibit an employer from segregating wash rooms or locker room facilities on the basis of sex, or basing other terms and conditions of employment on the sex of employees where the Washington state human rights commission, created under chapter 49.60 RCW, has by regulation or ruling in a particular instance found the employment practice to be appropriate for the practical realization of equality of opportunity between the sexes; or (iv) Print or circulate, or cause to be printed or circulated, any statement, advertisement, or publication, or use any form of application for employment, or make any inquiry in connection with prospective employment, which expresses any limitation, specification, or discrimination as to age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability; or any intent to make any such limitation, specification, or discrimination, unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification. However, nothing in this subsection prohibits advertising in a foreign language. (2) Participation in theology academic programs and campus ministry departments, including the employment, promotion, or granting of tenure of faculty members for courses of study in theology, is exempt from the requirements under this section. (3) Institutions of higher education that take no action regarding the signing of the affidavit are ineligible to participate in the pilot program in RCW 28B.10.063. [ 2024 c 240 s 2.] RCW 28B.10.100 "Major line" defined. The term "major line," whenever used in this code, shall be held and construed to mean the development of the work or courses of study in certain subjects to their fullest extent, leading to a degree or degrees in that subject. [ 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28B.10.100. Prior: 1917 c 10 s 1; RRS s 4532. Formerly RCW 28.76.010.] RCW 28B.10.105 Courses exclusive to the University of Washington. See RCW 28B.20.060. RCW 28B.10.106 Courses exclusive to Washington State University. See RCW 28B.30.060 and 28B.30.065. RCW 28B.10.115 Major lines common to University of Washington and Washington State University. Except as provided in RCW 28B.30.058, the courses of instruction of both the University of Washington and Washington State University shall embrace as major lines, pharmacy, architecture, and forest management as distinguished from forest products and logging engineering which are exclusive to the University of Washington. These major lines shall be offered and taught at said institutions only. [ 2015 c 6 s 2; 2009 c 207 s 1; 2003 c 82 s 1; 1985 c 218 s 1; 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28B.10.115. Prior: 1963 c 23 s 2; 1961 c 71 s 2; prior: (i) 1917 c 10 s 8; RRS s 4539. (ii) 1917 c 10 s 4; RRS s 4535. Formerly RCW 28.76.080.] RCW 28B.10.118 Accelerated baccalaureate degree programs—Approval. (1) State universities, regional universities, and The Evergreen State College may develop accelerated baccalaureate degree programs that will allow academically qualified students to obtain a baccalaureate degree in three years without attending summer classes or enrolling in more than a full-time class load during the regular academic year. The programs must allow academically qualified students to begin coursework within their academic field during their first term or semester of enrollment. (2) The state universities, regional universities, and The Evergreen State College shall report on their plans for the accelerated baccalaureate degree programs to the student achievement council for approval. [ 2012 c 229 s 511; 2011 c 108 s 2.] NOTES: Effective date— RCW 28B.10.120 Graduate work. Whenever a course is authorized to be offered and taught by this code, in any of the institutions herein mentioned, as a major line, it shall carry with it the right to offer, and teach graduate work in such major lines. [ 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28B.10.120. Prior: 1917 c 10 s 7; RRS s 4538. Formerly RCW 28.76.100.] RCW 28B.10.140 Teachers' training courses. The University of Washington, Washington State University, Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Western Washington University, and The Evergreen State College are each authorized to train teachers and other personnel for whom teaching certificates or special credentials prescribed by the Washington professional educator standards board are required, for any grade, level, department, or position of the public schools of the state. [ 2005 c 497 s 217; 2004 c 60 s 1; 1977 ex.s. c 169 s 10; 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28B.10.140. Prior: 1967 c 47 s 17; 1949 c 34 s 1; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 4618-3. Formerly RCW 28.76.120.] NOTES: Intent— RCW 28B.10.145 Diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism—Professional development. (1) Each institution of higher education must: (a) Provide professional development, either existing or new, focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism for faculty and staff. This program must be developed in partnership with the institution's administration, faculty, staff, and student leadership groups. Efforts must be made to ensure the program is developed and delivered by individuals with innate and acquired experience and expertise in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The content framework for professional development must be posted on each institution's public website for parents and community members. The professional development must begin in the 2022-23 academic year; (b) Create an evaluation for professional development participants. The evaluations must, at minimum, capture a participant's level of satisfaction with the professional development opportunity, the degree to which the learning objectives were achieved, and how the knowledge gained may be applied to their work; (c)(i) Share completed evaluations of program participants annually with either the state board for community and technical colleges or an organization representing the presidents of the public four-year institutions of higher education, depending on the institution; and (ii) submit curriculum and other pertinent information regarding the program beginning July 1, 2023, and, subsequently, if there is a meaningful change or by request of the reporting entity. (2) The purpose of each professional development program curriculum must be rooted in eliminating structural racism against all races and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion while improving academic, social, and health and wellness outcomes for students from historically marginalized communities. The program must also include elements that focus on commonalities and humanity. Institutions of higher education may further develop a curriculum that is reflective of the needs of the campus community. (3)(a) Beginning with the 2022-23 academic year, every new faculty and staff member at an institution of higher education must participate in the program, regardless of whether they are a full-time or part-time employee. All faculty and staff participating in the professional development program must complete an evaluation. Other faculty and staff may participate in the professional development program as needed or required by their institution. Each institution must develop a goal of at least 80 percent of their total faculty and staff completing the professional development program every two years and report on their goal's progress in the report established in RCW 28B.10.151. Each institution may determine how to show progress towards their goal. Part-time faculty and staff who are employed at more than one institution of higher education are only required to complete the professional development program at one institution if they provide proof of completion to their other institution of higher education employers to receive credit for participation. (b) Beginning with the 2024-25 academic year, 35 percent of tenured faculty and 35 percent of administrators at each institution of higher education must complete the professional development program every two years, regardless of whether they are a full-time or part-time employee. (4) The state board for community and technical colleges and an organization representing the presidents of the public four-year institutions of higher education may conduct further analysis of the professional development programs through participant evaluation data, use of focus groups, or other methods to determine promising practices. The state board for community and technical colleges and an organization representing the presidents of the public four-year institutions of higher education must post a list of model standards and promising practices for professional development on their public websites for parents and community members. (5) The institutions of higher education shall adopt rules as necessary or appropriate for effecting the provisions of this section, not in conflict with this chapter, and in accordance with the provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW, the administrative procedure act. [ 2021 c 275 s 2.] NOTES: Findings— RCW 28B.10.147 Diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism—Campus climate assessment. (1)(a) The institutions of higher education as defined in RCW 28B.10.016 shall each conduct a campus climate assessment to understand the current state of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the learning, working, and living environment on campus for students, faculty, and staff. The assessment shall occur, at minimum, every five years. Institutions of higher education shall use the results of the campus climate assessment to inform the professional development, established in RCW 28B.10.145, and program, established in RCW 28B.10.149. Institutions may use an existing campus climate assessment to meet this requirement. (b) The state board for community and technical colleges shall develop a model campus climate assessment for the community and technical colleges that the colleges may use or modify to meet the requirements of this section. (2) The design of an existing or new campus climate assessment must involve, at minimum, students, college and university diversity officers, faculty, and staff. The campus climate assessment must include, at minimum, an evaluation of student and employee attitudes and awareness of campus diversity, equity, and inclusion issues. The campus climate assessment may also include questions evaluating the prevalence of discrimination, sexual assault, harassment, and retaliation on and off campus, in addition to student, faculty, and staff knowledge of campus policies and procedures addressing discrimination, sexual assault, harassment, and retaliation. College and university diversity officers and students must be consulted in the development of recommendations. (3) Institutions of higher education must, at minimum, conduct annual listening and feedback sessions for diversity, equity, and inclusion for the entire campus community during periods between campus climate assessments. Institutions of higher education must, to the maximum extent practicable, compensate students for their participation in the annual listening and feedback sessions. (4) Beginning July 1, 2022, the institutions of higher education shall report findings or progress in completing their campus climate assessment and, when applicable, information on their listening and feedback sessions annually to either the state board for community and technical colleges or an organization representing the presidents of the public four-year institutions of higher education. The institutions of higher education must also