OLYMPIA - Students could have a direct hand in the actions of the board of trustees of Washington community and technical colleges under a bill approved Monday by the Washington State Senate.

Senate Bill 5217, sponsored by Sen. Paull Shin, would allow community and technical colleges the option of appointing a student to the board of trustees. The student would be selected by the governor from a list submitted by the student government.

“Often times, students have a better understanding of the everyday actions that occur on a college campus. This will allow them to have better representation in the operations of their colleges,” said Shin. “Having a student serve on the board will also improve the relationship between the student body and the college’s administration.”

Shin says the bill will not require the colleges to place a student on the board of trustees, but does provide that option. In order to remain on the board, the student would have to be enrolled at the college and be a student in good academic standing. The student member would be required to excuse him or herself from voting on matters related to the hiring, discipline or tenure of faculty members and personnel.

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For more information: Ian Cope, Senate Democratic Caucus, 360-786-7535

For interviews: Sen. Paull Shin, 360-786-7640