Known for its cutting-edge cars, WWU program could hit the brakes

The future of a popular program at Western Washington University is in doubt as it tries to find consistent funding.

The Industrial Technology Vehicle Design program, which is the classroom portion of the Vehicle Research Institute, is expected to be put on a moratorium until it can become accredited. To do that, the university would need money from the state — and past proposals have not been funded.

Earlier this week, faculty members in the engineering and design department voted for the moratorium. The proposal now heads to two more committees for a decision.

If the moratorium is approved, students already in the program will be allowed to continue, but no new students would be accepted while a proposal is put together to get enough funding to become an accredited program.