Associated Students of the University of Washington
Student Senate
Session 15
 

A Legislative Directive opposed to Senate Bill 5174

WHEREAS, there is currently a Senate Bill [5174] that seeks to raise the cost of education for students who stay at a public university for more than four years; and

WHEREAS, many of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, hereafter referred to as STEM programs require a high credit load to graduate; and

WHEREAS, many students aren't able to get into the lower division courses in STEM because of there are not enough spaces and so have to wait a quarter or more to finish a sequence; and

WHEREAS, many classes in Languages and STEM cater to those who are already in sequence making it difficulty to get back in if you take a quarter for personal reasons; and

WHEREAS, some upper division STEM courses are only offered once a year and if you are out of sequence; and

WHEREAS, the intent of this legislation is to put more Washington college graduates into the job market; and

WHEREAS, if students are encouraged to try and finish within 4 years they will have less time to spend in laboratory; and

WHEREAS, having lab experience will make students more competitive in the sciences job market; and

WHEREAS, not enough foreign language courses are also in high demand; and

WHEREAS, students also need to fulfill foreign language requirements for most majors to graduate and if they are unable to get into a course may have to delay graduation; and

WHEREAS, students may have to take more classes to complete a STEM or languages major because not everyone begins college with the same level of proficiency in math, science or foreign language; and

WHEREAS, some students come from schools with limited resources and may need to take classes to build a stronger foundation

WHEREAS, this legislation may adversely affect students from lower income backgrounds because of this; and

WHEREAS, for some people completing college at all is a personally fulfilling accomplishment; and

WHEREAS, the intent of college is to promote social mobility and to study what you desire.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE ASSOCIATED STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON STUDENT SENATE:

THAT, we oppose Senate Bill 5174 and any further legislation establishing differential tuition rates based on time to graduate.

History of Legislation

02/3/2009: Submitted for consideration

Legislation ID:
LD-15-2

Date Submitted:
02/3/2009

Sponsor:
Chris Paredes, LMSA Senator

Cosponsor(s):