To expand opportunities for higher education in north Puget Sound by renaming the University Center at Everett Community College as the University Center of North Puget Sound, and to charge Washington State Univesity with the responsibility to develop baccalaureate programs with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math courses of study. The transfer of responsibility to WSU takes effect July 1, 2014. (Companion: SB 5636).   Official Text and Analysis.

Changes the underlying bill by: directing the WSU to create a strategic plan for establishing a branch campus in Everett and submit it to the Legislature by December 1, 2012; directing the University Center at Everett Community College and the higher education institutions that offer baccalaureate degrees at the University Center at Everett Community College to collaborate in the development of the plan; directing the WSU to convene a council to oversee development of the strategic plan; requiring that the plan address baccalaureate, graduate, and degree demand of students and employers particularly in engineering and aeronautical programs, as well as collaboration with the University Center at Everett Community College; requiring the WSU to establish at least one high employer demand degree program by December 1, 2012, at the University Center at Everett Community College; and, requiring the WSU to complete implementation of the strategic plan by July 1, 2014.

Directs Washington State University (WSU) to complete a strategic plan to establish a University Center (UC) Partner and not a branch campus; requires approval from the Legislature and the Governor before WSU begins implementation of the plan; clarifies that the consultation with the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) be in accordance with statutes that refer to the HECB's role in approving changes to higher educational institutions missions and plans for expansion; and, requires that the strategic plan include a multi-biennium budget that addresses the operating and capital expenses required to effectively implement the plan.

To assign management and leadership of the University Center of North Puget Sound to Washington State University. Washington State University must collaborate with the University Center at Everett Community College and other university partners that offer baccalaureate degrees at the University Center to develop a strategic plan. Requires that the strategic plan build on degrees offered at the University Center; addresses demand for degrees by students and employers and a variety of engineering disciplines; and includes a multibiennium budget, among other things.

To direct Washington State University to complete a strategic plan to establish a University Center Partner at Everett with the collaboration of the University Center at Everett Community College and the baccalaureate institutions that provide programs at the University Center at Everett Community College.