New state funding boosts retention, workforce goals

The Washington State Legislature recently approved more than $3 million in new spending to support student retention and strengthen Western’s nursing and cyber-security programs
Window magazine staff

WESTERN ADVOCATES

Western Advocates is the legislative advocacy arm of the WWU Alumni Association, mobilizing support for state and federal support for WWU and public higher education. Privately funded and non-partisan, Western Advocates encourages alumni and friends of public higher education to take action using the group’s information and connections to elected officials. Outside of session, Western Advocates shares news and information to keep the community informed and engaged.

Learn more at wwuadvocates.org

The Washington State Legislature recently approved more than $3 million in new spending to support student retention and strengthen Western’s nursing and cyber-security programs.

The funds, included in Western’s 2022-23 state operating budget include:

A Focus on Student Access, Retention, and Success: $1.26 million for investments in student services such as additional financial aid counselors, multicultural student services staff, accessible technology support, enrollment personnel, and curriculum and student services staff for Western on the Peninsulas.

A New Graduate Degree in Nursing: $461,000 to enhance the state’s nursing workforce by establishing a new Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program, with tracks in population health, nursing administration, and nursing education.

Lower Tuition for Undergraduate Nursing Degrees: $433,000 to align tuition for WWU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing with other state-supported undergraduate degree programs at Western.

Funding for Cyber Range Poulsbo: $769,000 to upgrade hardware and software, and invest in additional technical and research support. The funds will also enhance collaboration with cyber education programs at other state universities.

Additional one-time funding in the ‘22-‘23 state operating budget includes programming, mental health first aid training for staff and an accommodations counselor in the Disability Access Center—which are all requested for ongoing funding in the ‘23-‘25 budget.

 

Photo by Luke Hollister