[Wsssc] {Disarmed} Hot Topics follow-up: HB 1559

[Lauren Hibbs]

Hello WSSSC,

This email is a follow-up to questions raised during WSSSC HOT TOPICS yesterday regarding the basic need navigator classification and the campus hunger free strategic plans. This topic will be further discussed and resources provided during the upcoming fall commission meeting.

Requirements of HB 1559 (Resources: Bill<https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2023-24/Pdf/Bills/House%20Passed%20Legislature/1559-S2.PL.pdf?q=20230510152407>, Guidelines<https://www.sbctc.edu/resources/documents/colleges-staff/programs-services/student-services/benefits-navigator-and-campus-strategic-plan-guidance-fy24.pdf>, and FAQ<https://www.sbctc.edu/resources/documents/colleges-staff/programs-services/student-services/basic-needs-benefit-navigator-q-a.pdf>)

PHASE 1 – DEVELOPMENT - July 2023 - April 2024
Hiring a Basic Need Navigator
Regrading classification: From HR Director Julie Huss, “We know that colleges have both classified and exempt. Depending on what you're planning to do, you may already have a classified position that you are thinking of restructuring to fit this work. Generally, with appropriations and things like this, these are exempt positions, because they are not always guaranteed funding. However. I think we want to be fully flexible. We also want to be understanding of current campus hiring practices, alignment with like positions and campus structure. We encourage you to work with your college HR to look at the position you have developed compared to similar work on the campus.”

Campus strategic plan development. Each strategic plan must:
1. Identify campus food pantry policies that, in practice, create barriers to access and reduce or remove those barriers in the implementation;
2. Review and update methods to identify likely low-income and food-insecure students and conduct communications and outreach methods by the institution to promote opportunities for benefits assistance (such as basic food enrollment, working connections child care enrollment, referrals to the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children, affordable housing assistance) and emergency financial resources;
3. Assess the needs and advantages of the benefits navigators;
4. Identify opportunities for the institution and partnerships with community-based organizations to holistically support students' basic needs, access to benefits and community resources;
5. Facilitate discussions and generate recommendations amongst community stakeholders on the basic needs of the institution's geographic postsecondary student population; and
6. Assess the distribution of state funds for basic needs support provided to institutions of higher education and the tribal college


PHASE 2 – IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN, July 2024 - June 2025
Mid-way we will begin ongoing discussions around potential gaps that need to be addressed to meet the mandates of the law.


PHASE 3 – LEGISLATIVE REPORTING, December 2025
This is the opportunity for legislative recommendations and decision package proposals
July 2025 – November 2025 will include drafting elements of the legislative report and agency approvals.


Questions to be discussed at the fall commission meeting:

  *   How can SBCTC/WSSSC best support you in the strategic plan development (due April 2024)?
     *   Template
     *   Regional convening
     *   Facilitated 1:1 support, guidance
     *   Other option?
  *   How can SBCTC/WSSC best support in the implementation and evaluation phase?
  *   Benefit Navigators are meant to be a part of the development of the hunger free strategic plan. How do you envision including the navigators in the strategic plan? Is there a way we can support you with and/or through the Benefit Navigator cohort?
  *   Other questions?

[Compass]
Lauren Hibbs, Ed.D
Director, Student Services
Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
lhibbs at sbctc.edu•<mailto:lhibbs at sbctc.edu•> o: 360-704-4334 •
sbctc.edu<https://www.sbctc.edu/> • Twitter: @SBCTCWashington<https://twitter.com/SBCTCWashington> • Facebook: @WASBCTC<https://www.facebook.com/wasbctc/>

SBCTC Vision:

“Leading with racial equity, our colleges maximize student potential and transform lives within a culture of belonging that advances racial, social, and economic justice in service to our diverse communities.”



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