Vision:
The Office of Student Legislative Affairs is a regional leader in advocating for and representing collective student interests, civic empowerment, and the promotion of student-centered legislation.

Mission:
The Office of Student Legislative Affairs is a student-led, student-centered nonprofit organization that accurately represents Bellevue College students in local, state and federal governance, through leadership, teamwork, and dedication, while maintaining the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and ethics.

2010 - 2015 Strategic Goals:

Student Organizing

OSLA will continue to collaborate with colleges and universities around the state to insure that the student voice is being herd.
Civic Engagement
OSLA will create a vast array of opportunities for students to engage in the legislative process.

Student-Centered Legislation

OSLA will advocate for legislation that is Student-Centered.

Professional and Organized Excellence

OSLA will foster creativity and innovation, high standards of professional excellence, and continuous organizational renewal.

Program Sustainability and Continuity

OSLA will create the systems and relationships to insure the long term sustainability and continuity of operations.
Accessibility
OSLA will provide access to programs that strengthen the student voice and allow students to engage in the legislative process, while insuring that all students have access to OSLA services.

Community Partners

 OSLA will work collaboratively and constructively with community partners.

History of OSLA

The Office of Student Legislative Affairs was founded by Former ASG President Jacob Peltier in the Fall of 2007. The program started as an ASG Committee for the purpose of working on civic engagement and representing the students at Bellevue College in the state capitol.

Mr. Peltier attended a meeting of the Washington Student Association (formerly Washington Student Lobby) at the University of Washington in the Winter of 2009. After meeting with the WSA, Mr. Peltier and Director of Student Programs, Faisal Jaswal, in collaboration with College Administration, received an unofficial opinion from Assistant Attorney General Alan Smith of the Washington State Attorney General’s Office. The Assistant Attorney General opinion provided the College with the legal information needed to request the Board of Trustees approve the use of Services and Actives Fees to conduct student lobbying efforts and to establish the Associated Student of Bellevue College as a member of the Washington Student Association.

The ASG conducted a survey and students supported Bellevue College joining the Washington Student Association, to advocate on behalf of student interests. The ASG conducted a second survey of students and the majority of students overwhelmingly expressed support for “The ASG Legislative Committee using S&A fees for lobbying and advocating on behalf of the students of Bellevue Community College.” The Associated Student Government approved ASG Bill 2007-012, allocating funding for the ASG Legislative Committee and officially establishing Bellevue Community College as a member of the WSA.

In February 2008, at a meeting of the Board of Trustees of College District VIII, the Board approved the use of Services and Actives Fees for the purpose of advocating the interests of students with respect to matters before the Washington State Legislature that are of concern to students as students of the College.

The ASBCC officially joined the Washington Student Association in December 2007. After joining the WSA, then WSA President Bryce McKibben met with Representative Jarrett, gaining approval for House Bill 3015 in the 2007-2008 legislative session; a bill written by the students of Bellevue College. Mr. McKibben also gained approval from Senator Shin to be the prime sponsor for Senate Bill 6699. It was the first time in Washington State history that a community college was able to introduce legislation. In 2010, OSLA Executive Director Marcus Sweetser was successful in passing the student trustee bill through the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. The Office of Student Legislative Affairs from that point forward has continued established itself as a vital asset and civic model for colleges across the state.