Higher Education Coordinating Board


Limit to Research and Analysis.

Higher Education Needs in Snohomish, Island, and Skagit Counties

Serving the higher education needs of Snohomish, Island and Skagit counties is an important issue for the region’s citizens and the state’s higher education community. The topic has a long history dating back to at least the 1980s.

In 2005, the Legislature directed the Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board to:

Assess the higher education needs in Snohomish, Island, and Skagit counties;
Recommend the type of institution or institutions to be created or expanded to address those needs;
Assess potential sites for an institution; and
Identify costs and a process for completing a master plan for higher education expansion in the study area.

In 2006, the HECB submitted a final report to the Legislature, which recommended:

Building a new four-year university with a polytechnic focus somewhere between North Everett and Marysville.

Continuing to develop the University of Washington – Bothell campus.

Continuing to invest in each of the area’s community colleges.

Developing and expanding programs that respond to the region’s geographic and cultural diversity.

The Proposed University of Washington-North Campus

In 2007, the Legislature directed the University of Washington to open an additional branch campus to serve the three counties. The Legislature approved $4 million to assess options, make site recommendations and develop operational and management plans.

Four potential sites were identified. However, legislative and community leaders in the three-county area were unable to agree on a preferred site during the 2008 legislative session. Subsequently, the Governor and Legislature directed the HECB to help the parties reach a consensus.

In September 2008, the HECB announced the hiring of Bill Wilkerson to work with legislative and community leaders to identify a site agreeable to all the parties, and one which will serve the region’s higher education needs.

Resources

Peacemaker brought into fray over UW branch campus

Link to OFM report: http://ofm.wa.gov/reports/uwnorth/

UW North recommendations and preliminary design and implementation plan, 2007

Final Report - Assessment of the Higher Education Needs of Snohomish, Island, and Skagit Counties (SIS) Submitted to the Higher Education Coordinating Board by NBBJ and MGT of America, Inc.

Presentation to Senate Higher Education Committee - Recommendations: Higher Education Needs of Snohomish, Island, and Skagit Counties (Nov. 2006)

Board Updates and Action

SIS - Snohomish, Island, Skagit Counties Final Report (December 2006) - The 2005-07 state capital budget directed the HECB to evaluate ways to best fulfill the higher education and workforce training needs in Snohomish, Island, and Skagit Counties and recommend solutions to the Legislature and governor.

HECB Assessment - Snohomish, Island, Skagit Counties Report - (November 2006)

SIS - Preliminary Staff Analysis of the Draft Final Report:
Assessment of the Higher Education Needs of Snohomish, Island, and Skagit Counties - (October 26, 2006)

Draft final report:
Assessment of the Higher Education Needs of Snohomish, Island, and Skagit (SIS) Counties Area - (October 26, 2006)

SIS PowerPoint Presentation to HECB - Oct. 26, 2006

Higher Education Needs Assessment for Snohomish, Island, and Skagit Counties

SIS Briefing Report

Study of Higher Education Needs in Snohomish, Island, and Skagit Counties - Interim Report (January 2006)

Interim Status Report: Assessment of the Higher Education Needs Snohomish, Island, and Skagit Counties Area
by NBBJ and MGT of America, Inc. (Dec. 2005)

Committee & Town Hall Presentations: