In the Media
While they're calling it their annual family concert, this weekend's Whatcom Symphony Orchestra performance is more of a musical extravaganza aimed at introducing children to music in all its forms.
"The Universal Language of Music" concert is part of the symphony's outreach and education program for those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to see a live orchestral event, said Pat Nelson, the symphony's artistic administrator. Admission is free for children with a reduced ticket price for adults.
Western Washington University has a new dean for Woodring College of Education - Francisco Rios from the University of Wyoming.
He is replacing Stephanie Salzman, who announced her retirement in September.
The Western Washington University softball team received an at-large berth and a No.5 seed in the West Regional of the NCAA Division II National Tournament on Monday, May 9.
The Vikings, 36-14 overall this season and making their first post-season appearance since 2007, will compete in one of two four-team, double-elimination sub-regionals on May 13-15. They face host and No.4 seed Chico State (29-17) in an opening-round game Friday, May 13.
The state's five public universities and The Evergreen State College will set their own undergraduate tuition under a bill that passed the Senate on Tuesday and is expected to be signed by the governor.
House Bill 1795, which gives the institutions tuition-setting authority for four years, passed both the House and Senate with large majorities.
A new KING 5 News poll finds voters might be open to getting rid of some tax breaks.
One of the more obscure tax breaks comes when farmers buy wood shavings or straw for chicken bedding, or when they buy propane or natural gas to keep chickens warm. The state doesn't charge them sales tax.
"Now, we do not provide blankets to our children. We don't provide heating for homes and the other thing is, last time I looked, chickens have feathers," said Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way.
A Washington program that’s offered four-year college scholarships to outstanding high school students for 30 years could become another casualty of a down economy.
Letters sent out last month notifying 2011 graduates that they’ve been named Washington Scholars also included this warning: “due to severe economic conditions affecting all state expenditures … we recommend that you pursue educational plans without consideration of a monetary benefit from this award.”
OLYMPIA, Wash – Another round of double-digit tuition increases appears imminent at Washington universities. Legislation passed today would allow the schools to set their own tuition rates for the next eight years with some restrictions. That could mean a tuition increase of 26 percent or more over the next two years at the state’s two research institutions and Western Washington University. Reuven Carlyle, a Seattle Democrat, says the higher cost for students will also come with more financial aid.
Washington state lawmakers are moving ahead with a plan that allows universities to raise their own tuition rates.
A bill approved by the state House on Monday led to outcry from students, who have already seen a 30 percent tuition hike over the past two years and face double-digit increases in each of the next two years. Lawmakers are increasing those rates in an attempt to offset budget cuts.
The tuition increases are somewhat offset by an infusion of financial aid that amounts to $100 million. Democratic Rep. Reuven Carlyle of Seattle says the bill is necessary to ensure that state universities remain accessible.
Carlyle says he expects the University of Washington, Washington State University and Western Washington University will increase tuition beyond amounts already anticipated in the budget.
On Monday, May 9, there will be a candlelight vigil for higher education, organized by the Western Washington University student-group Western Votes!
Lawmakers say they've come to an agreement in principle on a higher-education bill that would give the state's five public universities and The Evergreen State College authority to set in-state undergraduate tuition for the next four years.
The legislation would help four-year schools make up some of the steep cuts being proposed in higher-education funding. It also would provide some financial aid for middle-class students to help them cover the higher tuition costs.