The House Higher Education Committee heard testimony on a proposed substitute to House Bill 13-37, which would clarify that student and faculty regents (or trustees) at Washington public colleges and universities may participate in and vote on matters related to the initial selection and hiring of presidents.

What the substitute would change. Committee staff explained the state’s governance structure for public institutions (governor-appointed boards of trustees/regents with faculty and student members) and said the substitute clarifies that student and faculty representatives may participate and vote in presidential selection processes. Sponsor Rep. Paulette described the substitute as a corrective measure to ensure faculty and student regents can “participate and be able to vote,” noting the change followed conversations with university leadership.

Support from students and faculty. Multiple student government leaders from UW Bothell, WSU and other campuses testified in favor. Sienna Gerard (ASUW Bothell) described a recent UW search that had “only 1 student compared to 27 members in 2015,” and said the student regent’s role was constrained during that process. Colin Banister (ASWSU) and Chris Mulek (WSU) said student participation strengthened their institutions’ searches. Faculty leaders and elected faculty representatives from multiple universities also supported the change, arguing faculty expertise in assessing scholarship and institutional fit should be part of presidential evaluations.

University officials’ positions. Representatives from the University of Washington and Washington State University testified they support legal clarity on the formal participation of student and faculty regents in final presidential selection processes and appreciated sponsor conversations.

Next steps. The committee heard extensive pro testimony and no vote was recorded in the transcript. Supporters emphasized the proposal is intended to increase transparency and alignment with shared governance practices across the state’s public institutions.